Churachandpur Observes 24-Hour Shutdown in Memory of MLA Vungzagin Valte
Shutdown in Churachandpur District
Churachandpur, Feb 24: A 24-hour shutdown is currently in effect throughout Churachandpur district, commencing at 6 am on Tuesday, to pay tribute to the late MLA Vungzagin Valte. As a sign of respect, all business establishments, educational institutions, and both public and private offices are closed.
The closure, initiated by civil society and student organizations following Valte's passing, allows students attending Board and Council examinations to continue their activities if they present their admit cards. Essential and emergency services are exempt from this shutdown.
Valte's death has heightened political tensions in the hill districts, with civil society groups emphasizing that achieving lasting peace necessitates constitutional protections and political frameworks to guarantee security and justice.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) characterized Valte’s passing as a tragic reflection of the hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo community, reiterating their call for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with its own legislature.
According to a press release, “In these circumstances, the demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature is not merely a political aspiration but a matter of survival, dignity, and constitutional rights.”
Student organizations, including the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF) and the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO) in Churachandpur, have also declared a period of mourning across the district and encouraged the public to participate respectfully in the reception of the deceased's remains during the funeral.
Authorities have called for public tranquility as funeral rites are conducted under security measures.
Earlier on Monday, the mortal remains arrived at the Mizoram-Manipur border at Tuivai River around 1:25 am, where they were received by leaders from the Zomi Council, Zomi Youth Association (ZYA), and supporters.
The procession moved through Sinzawl village and continued towards Thanlon sub-division, with many people lining the NEC road to pay their respects with floral tributes.
Valte, the current BJP MLA representing Thanlon Assembly Constituency, passed away on February 21 at Medanta Hospital in Delhi after undergoing medical treatment for nearly a year and a half.
He had suffered injuries from a violent attack by a mob in Imphal on May 4, 2023, during the initial stages of the Meitei-Kuki ethnic conflict.
After months of critical care at Apollo Hospital, he received advanced treatment in Delhi.
Following a brief return to his home in New Lamka upon signs of improvement, his health declined on February 7 due to pulmonary edema.
He was initially admitted to the district hospital and subsequently airlifted to Delhi from Bir Tikendrajit International Airport.
Despite spending nearly 12 days in intensive care at Medanta Hospital, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Valte is noted to be the first sitting elected official to lose his life amid the ongoing ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.