IMPHAL, April 22: A candlelight vigil was held in Churachandpur to mark two months since the death of BJP legislator Vungzagin Valte, with participants renewing demands for a thorough investigation and accountability.
The event, held at the Churachandpur Medical College campus, coincided with the eve of a 13-hour shutdown called by Zomi organisations. Protesters described the vigil as an expression of collective grief and accused both the Centre and the state government of failing to act on calls for justice.
Valte, who represented Thanlon constituency, died on February 20, 2026, following complications arising from injuries he had sustained during ethnic violence in May 2023.
Muanlian, a member of the Zomi Coordination Committee, said protests would continue until authorities respond to their demands. He alleged that the MLA had been subjected to a “premeditated assault” during the unrest and called for sustained agitation until justice is delivered.
According to organisers, the attack occurred on May 4, 2023, when Valte was intercepted by a mob after meeting the then chief minister in Imphal. He was reportedly dragged out of his vehicle and severely assaulted, while his driver also sustained fatal injuries.
Valte was initially treated in Delhi and later returned to Manipur after recovering. He was again airlifted to the national capital earlier this year for further treatment but died after nearly 11 days in hospital.
Zomi groups have demanded an independent probe, preferably by the National Investigation Agency, and warned that protests will continue until concrete action is taken.
