The Zomi Co-ordination Committee (ZCC), which was formed to pursue justice in connection with the death of Thanlon BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte from Churachandpur district in Manipur, organised a candlelight vigil in remembrance of the late MLA at the Churachandpur Medical College morgue on Tuesday night.
The candlelight vigil, titled “Two Months Without Justice,” was attended by various Kuki-Zo civil society organisations and members of the public.
Speaking to The Hills Journal, Zomi Coordination Committee member Muanlian said the vigil was organised to mark the second month of the untimely demise of the late MLA Vungzagin Valte. He added that it was also held to express collective grief and anguish over the fact that the Manipur government and the central government have remained mute on the issue of justice for the late MLA.
When asked about the delay in the burial of the MLA, Muanlian said, “It is related to the issue of justice—justice which has been left undelivered by the concerned authorities.
This includes justice in terms of investigation and criminal punishment for the Meitei radical group Arambai Tenggol, which had allegedly preplanned and carried out the assault on Vungzagin Valte and his driver, Thanggoulal, on May 4, 2023.”
He also said that the delay in burial is linked to unfinished projects that the MLA had promised during his campaign and lifetime. These projects remain incomplete due to the fact that the MLA’s life was cut short by a human-made disaster on May 4.
Following the observance, Zomi frontal organisations and like-minded groups have imposed a total shutdown in the district on April 22, from 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., in solidarity with the ongoing pursuit of justice for the late Vungzagin Valte and all lives unjustly lost since May 3, 2023.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
