Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh attended the funeral of former MLA Vungzagin Valte in Churachandpur, calling for dialogue and peace in Manipur.
Imphal, July 4: Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday attended the funeral of former Thanlon MLA Vungzagin Valte at Dorcas Veng in Churachandpur, becoming the first Chief Minister to visit the district since the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023.
The Chief Minister's visit took place amid heightened security and protests by several Kuki civil society organisations that had opposed his entry into Churachandpur. Demonstrators were seen gathering at different locations across the district, blocking roads by piling up rocks and other barricades as part of the protest. Markets remained largely shut and vehicular movement was affected following a shutdown call by the United Kuki National Army (UKNA).
The Chief Minister travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter for the brief visit before returning to Imphal to attend a virtual meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah later in the day.
A day earlier, six Kuki civil society organisations had jointly announced that they would boycott the Chief Minister's reported visit, stating that no Meitei individual or government delegation should enter the district until a political resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict is reached. Separately, the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) had urged the Chief Minister to defer the visit, describing the prevailing situation in Churachandpur as highly sensitive.
The UKNA had also issued a shutdown call for July 4, directing that schools, shops and business establishments remain closed. According to the notice cited by the organisation, village chiefs were asked to mobilise residents to line the roads carrying black flags in protest, while only emergency and medical services were to remain exempt from the shutdown. Before Saturday's visit, however, there had been no official announcement by the Manipur Government confirming the Chief Minister's itinerary, with the protests being organised over reports of the proposed visit.
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Addressing mourners during the funeral service, Khemchand described the late legislator as "a very calm person" and recalled his long association with Valte dating back to 2017, when he assumed office as the Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Remembering the attack on Valte during the early days of the Manipur conflict on May 4, 2023, the Chief Minister expressed personal regret over the incident.
"My deepest regret is that on that particular afternoon, if I were with him, that incident would not have taken place," he said.
Paid my last respects at the condolence programme and burial ceremony of Late Pu Vungzagin Valte, Hon’ble MLA, Thanlon Assembly Constituency, at Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) July 4, 2026
A dear friend and respected colleague, Pu Valte dedicated his life to serving the people with humility and… pic.twitter.com/uGCnyscIHF
Khemchand said his visit was intended as a personal tribute to a close friend rather than a political engagement.
"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 whenever needed," he said.
The Chief Minister also reflected on the difficult circumstances prevailing during the initial phase of the ethnic unrest, stating that efforts had been made to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of elected representatives.
Later, while interacting with reporters outside the residence of the late MLA, Khemchand reiterated that dialogue remains the only sustainable path towards restoring peace in Manipur.
He said lasting peace is essential for rebuilding trust and ensuring the state's overall development.
Responding to a question on the roadmap for peace, the Chief Minister remarked, "Your smile is the way for peace," replying with a smile to a reporter who had posed the question in a similar manner.
Khemchand, accompanied by MLA Tongbram Robindro, offered floral tributes and joined prayers for the departed leader. Several public representatives, tribal leaders, civil society organisations, supporters and government officials also paid their respects.
Among those present were MLAs Chinlunthang, Letzamang and V. Hangkhanlian, along with former ministers and local community leaders.
Following the funeral service, the mortal remains of Vungzagin Valte were laid to rest at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery in Dorcas Veng after family members, friends and residents paid their final respects. Valte, a former MLA from Thanlon Assembly constituency, is survived by his wife, one daughter and two sons.
