Zomi org extends mourning for Valte till Mar 31; demands justice

Churachandpur: The Zomi Coordination Committee (ZCC) announced that the collective mourning in honour of Thanlon BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte will continue until March 31.Valte, a Zomi by descent, died at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Feb 21, after battling for nearly three years following injuries suffered during a mob attack in Imphal on May 4, 2023.“In solemn recognition of his public service, the ZCC declared the entire month of March 2026 as Zomi National Mourning,” the ZCC, which was formed as a Joint Action Committee (JAC) demanding justice for Valte, stated.The funeral service of the BJP MLA could not be performed yet, as the family and his community demanded justice for him and also for those who were killed due to the ethnic violence that erupted in Manipur from May 3, 2023. Valte’s mortal remains have been kept at Churachandpur district hospital’s morgue since Feb 24.

According to the ZCC, all forms of celebrations, entertainment programmes, concerts, tournaments, festivals, and other recreational activities or festive events shall remain suspended as a mark of respect to the MLA.The ZCC appealed to all organisations, institutions, clubs and community bodies to extend full cooperation. However, exemptions are in place for scheduled marriages, worship services, and essential religious-based activities.The ZCC said the community remains firm to pursuing justice for Valte.