Remembering Valte's service: Tributes pour in for Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte; Leaders mourn tragic loss and call for justice

Aizawl: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and Mizoram CM Lalduhoma on Saturday paid heartfelt tributes to Manipur BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away at a private hospital in Gurugram on Friday. He was 61.Valte, a former minister from the Zomi tribal community and representative of Thanlon constituency, had sustained grievous injuries in a mob attack during the early phase of ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023.Prime Minister Modi described Valte as a leader who “worked diligently towards bringing a positive difference in society” and said he will be remembered for his “outstanding service to the people of Manipur.” Modi expressed deep pain at his passing and extended condolences to his family, friends, and supporters.CM Khemchand Singh flew to Delhi to pay his last respects, offering floral tributes and joining a condolence meeting attended by MLAs, family members, and Zomi community leaders. A brief prayer service was also held for the departed leader.Mizoram CM Lalduhoma on Saturday expressed grief over the death of Valte and extended condolences to his family and the Zo community.In a social media post, Lalduhoma said, “Pu Gin’s untimely demise is not only a tragic loss to the people of Manipur but to the entire Zo community across North-East India and beyond. His life was one of unwavering commitment to public service, guided by conviction, courage, and compassion for the voiceless.”Referring to the May 4, 2023 attack on Valte in Imphal, Lalduhoma said the incident “shocked the nation and remains painful chapter in our collective memory,” adding that Valte endured immense suffering and “fought bravely and waited for justice to be delivered to the perpetrators.”(With inputs from agencies)