"I Feel Good, Remember the Kut Festival": Khemchand on His Visit to Churachandpur

Manipur chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that he felt good and remembers Kut festival after coming to Churachandpur after a long time.

The chief minister made the statement in Saturday while responding to media persons after attending the funeral service of late BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte.

Khemchand said that restoring peace is the only way to develop Manipur. On being asked how will he restore, Khemchand told reporters, "today you are smiling to me, this is a part of peace".

Regarding the demands placed by the families of late Vungzagin Valte and Zomi organisations, the Chief Minister did not give a response but said he came Churachandpur to condole and to pray to God that the late MLA's soul rest peacefully.

The chief minister was accompanied by Thanga MLA Tongbram Robindro.

While addressing the mourners earlier in the day Khemchand recalled the circumstances leading to the May 4, 2023 mob attack on the BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte while describing his inability to prevent the incident as “the biggest regret” of his life.

Khemchand said Vungzagin  was attacked by a mob while returning after attending a meeting with the then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on May 4, 2023.

The Chief Minister said he was determined to attend the funeral of one of his closest friends in the Assembly.

“Today I had a video conference with the Union Home Minister. That is why I came here by helicopter so that I could attend the funeral quickly before the meeting,” he said.

Describing Valte as a calm and soft-spoken leader, Khemchand said he shared  a close bond since his first term as an MLA.

Recalling the events preceding the attack, the Chief Minister said all MLAs had gathered to discuss ways to contain the escalating violence.

“I still remember that day. We were all sitting together discussing how to control the anger and violence. After the meeting ended, I returned home because my residence was nearby. Valte stayed back with others,” he said.

“The most regrettable thing for me is that if I had remained there with him, the incident might not have happened.”

He also recalled that on May 3, 2023, he had persuaded Kangpokpi MLA Nemcha Kipgen not to travel through the violence-hit route, arranging security and ensuring she left safely around 2 am.

“I waited and waited before sending her with full security because the situation was extremely dangerous. Today my biggest regret is that if I had been there, I would have convinced Pu Valte not to leave. That has become the biggest regret of my life,” he said.

Khemchand said attending Valte’s funeral was both painful and a matter of personal responsibility.

“Today I came to attend the funeral of my friend. I consider myself fortunate to be here to pay my last respects.”

Expressing solidarity with the bereaved family, the Chief Minister assured them of his continued support.

“Today, before everyone present here, I want to say that Pu Valte’s family is like my own family. His friends are my friends. I will extend every possible help that I can,” he added.