Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday attended the funeral service of late Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte at his residence in Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur, becoming the first Chief Minister to visit the district since the ethnic violence broke out on May 3, 2023. The Chief Minister travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter due to a virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah later in the day. Speaking at the funeral service, Khemchand Singh described the late Thanlon legislator as ‘a very calm person’ and recalled their close association since 2017, when he first became the Speaker of Manipur Assembly.
He reflected on the tragic incident of May 4, 2023, when 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,’ he said. CM Khemchand Singh emphasised that his visit was a personal gesture of respect: ‘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 added.
The Chief Minister also recalled the tense situation during the initial days of the unrest and said every possible effort had been made to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of public representatives. Later, while interacting with media persons at the residence of the late MLA, the Chief Minister said that dialogue is the only way forward to restore peace in Manipur and stressed that lasting peace is essential for the overall development of the State. When asked by a reporter about the roadmap to peace in Manipur, CM Khemchand Singh replied, ‘Your smile is the way for peace,’ responding to the manner in which the question was posed with a smile.
The Chief Minister along with MLA Tongbram Robindro offered floral tributes and prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul. Among those who paid homage were MLA Chinlunthang, MLA Letzamang, former minister V. Hangkhanlian, numerous supporters, tribal leaders, civil society organisations, and government officials.
The mortal remains of late Vungzagin Valte were laid to rest at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery, Dorcas Veng, after rich tributes were paid by family, friends, and the wider community. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and two sons.
