Funeral Arrangements for BJP MLA Amid Tensions in Manipur

The funeral of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who died from injuries related to ethnic violence in Manipur, is scheduled for Saturday in Churachandpur. Amid heightened security, Kuki civil society organizations have voiced strong opposition to a potential visit by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, urging him to stay away until a political resolution is achieved. Thousands are expected to attend the burial, raising concerns about the already tense situation in the region. The Kuki Civil Society Organisations have declared a boycott of the Chief Minister's visit, warning of potential unrest. Valte had been receiving treatment for his injuries for over three years before his passing.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 13:28 IST

Funeral of BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte

Preparations at the residence of late BJP MLA in Churachandpur, as volunteers carry his casket ahead of the condolence service and funeral (Photo: AT)

Imphal, July 4: The funeral for BJP legislator Vungzagin Valte, who died from injuries sustained during the ethnic unrest in Manipur, is scheduled for Saturday in Churachandpur. This event is taking place under strict security measures, as Kuki civil society groups have expressed strong opposition to a potential visit by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh.

Valte's remains will be interred at the YPA Cemetery located in Dorcas Veng, New Lamka. A significant turnout is anticipated, with thousands of attendees expected, including political figures, church leaders, and civil society members.

According to senior government officials, preparations for the Chief Minister's possible attendance are in progress, although the Chief Minister's Office has not yet confirmed this information.

Security has been heightened in New Lamka and surrounding areas in anticipation of the large crowd and the potential presence of high-profile guests.

However, the proposed visit has faced considerable backlash from Kuki civil society organizations, which have called for the Chief Minister to refrain from attending until a political resolution to the ongoing conflict is reached.

In a statement released on Friday, the Kuki Civil Society Organisations (KCSOs) from Churachandpur expressed their opposition to the Chief Minister's visit. They stated, "Until a solution to the ongoing Kuki-Zo-Meitei conflict is found, we will not permit any Meitei individual, including the Chief Minister, to enter our district."

The organizations have declared a boycott of the visit and warned that any incidents resulting from it would be the Chief Minister's responsibility.

Additionally, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) urged the Chief Minister to postpone any plans to visit Kuki-Zo populated areas, including Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Tengnoupal.

KIM highlighted the genuine risk that such a visit could escalate tensions, potentially disrupting the already fragile law and order situation in the region, which they described as sensitive and volatile.

Valte, the BJP MLA representing the Thanlon Assembly Constituency, suffered severe injuries on May 4, 2023, following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Manipur. He remained incapacitated for over three years and underwent extensive treatment at various medical facilities before ultimately succumbing to his injuries.