Imphal, Feb 24 (NationPress) The Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, paid tribute to the late BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte on Tuesday by laying a wreath and covering his mortal remains with a shawl. Valte passed away on February 21 at a private hospital in Gurugram. The Governor visited the late legislator's home in Churachandpur district, honoring the memory of the 62-year-old leader who represented the Zomi community.

Valte was a member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, elected from the Thanlon constituency. During his visit, Governor Bhalla met Valte's grieving family, extending his heartfelt condolences. He expressed his sympathies, offered prayers for the departed soul, and wished the family strength during this challenging time.

Manipur's Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh, also paid his respects by laying a wreath and shawl as a sign of tribute. Valte's body was flown to Lengpui Airport in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, on February 22, and then transported by road to his home district.

Vumsuan Naulak, Chairman of the Zomi Council, announced that the burial date for Valte would be communicated later. A complete shutdown was observed in Churachandpur district, predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo tribes, to mourn Valte’s passing. In his honor, the Manipur government observed a three-day state mourning from February 22 to 24.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who was in Delhi on February 21, visited the Gurugram hospital to pay his last respects to Valte. The late MLA had been living in Churachandpur after enduring extensive medical treatment in Delhi, following a violent attack in Imphal during ethnic unrest on May 4, 2023.

As his health worsened, Valte was airlifted from Imphal to New Delhi on February 8 for advanced medical care, where he ultimately passed away on February 21. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor Bhalla, Chief Minister Singh, and various leaders expressed deep sorrow and condolences regarding Valte’s death.

Valte suffered severe injuries during the May 4 attack, which occurred shortly after he attended a meeting with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The assault left him with multiple injuries and partial paralysis, leading to his urgent medical transfer to Delhi, where he underwent months of critical treatment. Tragically, his driver was killed in the attack, underscoring the violence faced by leaders in the region. The late tribal leader had previously called for unity within the Zo community amidst the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.