Manipur CM Attends Vungzagin Valte’s Funeral
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended former MLA Vungzagin Valte’s funeral in Churachandpur, marking the first visit by a Manipur Chief Minister to the district since the ethnic violence began in May 2023.
CHURACHANDPUR: Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the funeral service of former Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte at his residence in Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur, on Saturday, becoming the first Chief Minister to visit the district since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
The visit carried significance against the backdrop of the prolonged conflict and deep divisions that have affected Manipur for more than three years. Singh travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter and was scheduled to return to Imphal later in the day to attend a virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Addressing the funeral gathering, the Chief Minister described Valte as “a very calm person” and recalled their close association dating back to 2017, when Singh became Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
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He also reflected on the May 4, 2023 incident in which Valte was assaulted during the early phase of the Manipur crisis.
“My deepest regret is that on that particular afternoon, if I were with him, that incident would not have taken place,” Singh said.
The Chief Minister described his visit as a personal gesture of respect for his former colleague and friend.
“Today, I came here for a short visit to pay my last respects to my friend Pu Valte. To be able to attend it is a huge honour for me. Valte’s family is like my family. His friends and close ones are my friends too. I will always extend any support to all of them when or if the need arises,” he said.
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Singh also recalled the tense situation during the initial days of the unrest and said efforts had been made to prevent further violence and protect public representatives.
Later, interacting with reporters at the late MLA’s residence, the Chief Minister said dialogue remained the only way forward for restoring peace in Manipur. He stressed that lasting peace was essential for the state’s overall development.
When a reporter asked about the roadmap for peace in Manipur, Singh replied, “Your smile is the way for peace,” responding to the smiling manner in which the question was asked.
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The remark came during a visit that, beyond its personal and ceremonial purpose, marked a rare political outreach to Churachandpur by the state’s highest elected office since the 2023 violence. The Chief Minister’s emphasis on dialogue highlighted the continuing challenge of rebuilding trust and creating conditions for reconciliation among affected communities.
Singh, accompanied by MLA Tongbram Robindro, offered floral tributes and prayed for the departed leader. Others who paid homage included Chinlunthang, MLAs Letzamang and V. Hangkhanlian, former ministers, tribal leaders, civil society organisations, supporters and government officials.
Valte’s mortal remains were laid to rest at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery in Dorcas Veng after family members, friends and members of the wider community paid their final respects.
The former legislator is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.
