Churachandpur: Emotions ran high as the mortal remains of Thanlon BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte were brought to Manipur on Monday.The public mood remained subdued and intermixed with anger following the death of the BJP MLA on Saturday. Valte, a Zomi by descent, died at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following injuries suffered during a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, 2023.
Valte’s death sparked outrage among local residents, who viewed him as an epitome of their political aspirations. Thousands of people, including youths and students, gathered along the Manipur-Mizoram border around 1.25am as the mortal remains of Valte arrived from Lengpui Airport in Aizawl, waiting to pay their respects and catch a glimpse of his coffin.The body was then taken to Sinzawl village, where close relatives, villagers, local authorities offered tributes at the community hall. From there, the procession continued towards Thanlon, with villagers and supporters lining the route.His body was then transported in a vehicle procession through his constituency, with crowds lining the roads, paying tribute and expressing their grief. The procession passed through NEC roads to Thanlon sub-divisional headquarters, where a tribute programme was organised at the village chief’s residence, attended by people from all communities. Tributes poured in from the chief’s family, village authority, SDO and staff, tribal leaders and students.In a heartfelt speech at the Thanlon sub-divisional headquarters, Valte’s eldest son Gousuan recalled how Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh had rushed to Delhi upon hearing of his father’s death and offered to airlift the body by chartered flight. However, Gousuan chose to bring his father home on a commercial flight so that people could pay their respects along the way.“God gave us a good father, and now he has taken him to heaven. Let us all depend on God,” Gousuan said, adding that his father’s suffering should not be in vain and that his leadership and legacy now belong to the people.The Zomi Council chairman, Vumsuan Nauluk, attended the programme. He vowed that any harm caused to Zomis, whether death or injury, would not be in vain.Valte’s body was then taken to Mualnuam village, his birthplace, where villagers, leaders and youths paid homage to him. The procession is expected to continue to Songtal and Churachandpur via Guite Road, where further tributes will be paid along the route. The procession is expected to proceed towards Valte’s Dorcaa Veng residence at New Lamka Churachandpur, sources said.Valte’s death has left a deep impact on his community, with mourners describing him as a leader who championed their cause. His funeral is marked by emotional scenes, reflecting the deep connection between him and his people.
