Imphal, Feb 23 (NationPress) The remains of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, Vungzagin Valte, who passed away in a private hospital in Gurugram last week, have been flown to Lengpui Airport in Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. Subsequently, the body was transported by road to Churachandpur, his hometown in Manipur, as reported by officials.

On Sunday, officials confirmed that family members were present to receive Valte's body at the airport in Aizawl before it was taken to Churachandpur.

A leader from the Kuki-Zo community indicated that Valte's final rites are expected to occur either Monday or Tuesday, respecting the family's wishes.

In honor of the late leader, the government of Manipur has declared a three-day mourning period from Sunday (February 22) through Tuesday (February 24).

During this mourning phase, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the state, and there will be a suspension of all official entertainment, according to a notification from the General Administration Department of the Manipur government.

In a separate note, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh visited the private hospital in Gurugram on Saturday to pay his respects to Vungzagin Valte.

An official statement highlighted that the Chief Minister offered floral tributes while standing in silence before the late leader's remains.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh also extended heartfelt condolences to Valte's grieving family, spending about ten minutes with them, sharing their sorrow and showing solidarity during this challenging time.

A prayer service was conducted, asking for eternal peace for Valte's soul.

Following this, a condolence meeting was held, attended by Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, BJP MLAs Khashim Vashum and Ngursanglur Sanate, family members, and notable leaders from the Zomi community in Delhi.

The 62-year-old tribal leader, representing the Zomi community, was elected to the Manipur Assembly from the Thanlon constituency in Churachandpur.

Valte had been living in the Kuki-Zo-dominated Churachandpur district after undergoing extensive medical treatment in Delhi following a violent assault in Imphal on May 4, 2023.

As his health declined, he was airlifted from Imphal to New Delhi on February 8 for advanced medical care, eventually passing away on February 21 in a private hospital in Gurugram.

Expressions of grief and condolences have poured in from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh, and various political leaders and organizations.

Chief Minister Khemchand Singh remarked that Valte devoted himself to enhancing infrastructure, uplifting communities, and effecting meaningful change in the lives of many, earning him widespread respect, trust, and affection.

Valte was brutally attacked on May 4, 2023, suffering critical injuries shortly after a meeting with former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

The assault resulted in multiple injuries and partial paralysis, necessitating his urgent transfer to Delhi, where he underwent months of intensive treatment.

During the attack, Valte's driver was killed.

The late tribal leader had previously called for unity among members of the Zo community amidst the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.