The death of Vungzagin Valte, the sitting MLA from Thanlon Assembly Constituency, has triggered renewed calls for justice from Kuki-Zo civil society organizations. Valte passed away at Medanta Medicity in Gurugram following a mob assault in Imphal on May 4, 2023, during the recent ethnic violence in Manipur. The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and other Kuki-Zo groups expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Valte as a leader who fiercely advocated for minority tribal rights. They have criticized the state administration for security failures, noting that he was a protected public representative. CoTU views his death as an outcome of “ethnic and religious persecution” and has called on the Supreme Court and investigative agencies to seek justice impartially. To honor him, they have announced a complete shutdown in Sadar Hills on the day his body returns from Delhi and during his final rites in Churachandpur. Likewise, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) mourned his loss, calling it an irreplaceable blow to his family and the community, while advocating for a political resolution to the ongoing crisis. Meanwhile, the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) condemned the attack on an elected official as an affront to democracy and reiterated their demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislative powers for the Kuki-Zo people. Valte’s death emphasizes unresolved issues surrounding the violence in Manipur, urging tribal organizations to promote calm and unity as they seek justice through lawful means.
Sadar Hills Shutdown Called by CoTU Following MLA Valte’s Death
