After 3 years, Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh visits Kuki-majority Churachandpur

IMPHAL: Manipur CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh became the first CM to visit Kuki-majority Churachandpur since violence erupted 3 years ago, flying in by helicopter to attend slain BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte’s condolence service and burial on Saturday despite a boycott call by Kuki-Zo organisations.The visit marked a rare political breakthrough in a state where Meitei and KukiZo communities have remained largely cut off from each other since clashes broke out on May 3, 2023, leaving more than 260 people dead and displacing over 60,000.Valte, a three-time BJP MLA for Thanlon, suffered grievous wounds after a mob attacked him in Imphal on May 4.

Kuki outfits tried to thwart CM’s trip to Churachandpur

Valte had undergone prolonged treatment before dying at a Gurgaon hospital on Feb 21 this year.Khemchand said the assault on Valte, whom he called one of his “best friends”, continues to haunt him. “We were all together discussing how to control the violence,” he said.“My deepest regret is that on that particular afternoon, if I were with him, that incident would not have taken place.” He also recalled stopping then minister and now deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen from returning to Kangpokpi on May 3 over fears of mob violence and later ensuring her safe pas sage under security cover.

Khemchand, first Indian awarded a 5th Dan black belt in traditional South Korean taekwondo and BJP MLA for Singjamei in Imphal West district, took charge as CM after nearly a year of President’s rule in the state in Feb.Kuki organisations opposed his visit, saying no Meitei, including the CM, would be allowed into Churachandpur until the conflict is resolved. Since Friday night, volunteers gathered along Imphal-Churachandpur road to enforce a shutdown.

Security was beefed up.Khemchand said Valte’s family “is like my family” and promised continued support. He recalled arranging an air ambulance in Feb to shift the ailing MLA from Churachandpur to Gurgaon.After Valte’s death, Khemchand travelled to Gurgaon to pay his respects. His mortal remains were flown to Churachandpur on Feb 24, but funeral rites were deferred after family members and Zomi Council demanded an NIA probe into the assault and justice.Valte was buried in Dorcas Veng after tributes from family, supporters and community members. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons.