Kuki-Zo MLA, attacked by mob in 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur, dies in Gurugram hospital

Vungzagin Valte (62), a Kuki-Zo Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from Manipur, who was physically assaulted by a mob in Imphal on May 4, 2023, a day after ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei people erupted in the State, passed away at a hospital in Gurugram on Friday (February 20, 2026) due to prolonged illness post the attack.

Though a statement from the family or the hospital is awaited, Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed deep grief over the demise of Mr. Valte.

“Pu Valte was not only a dedicated public representative but also a compassionate leader who devoted his entire life to the service of the people. His unwavering commitment to the welfare, progress, and holistic development of Manipur reflected his true spirit of selfless service. He worked tirelessly to strengthen infrastructure, uplift communities, and bring meaningful change to the lives of countless people, earning the respect, trust, and affection of all. His passing is an immense loss not only to his family and loved ones but also to the people of Thanlon and the entire State of Manipur,” Mr. Singh said.

Over the past three years, Mr. Valte developed medical complications due to life-threatening injuries he suffered during the attack. On February 8, he was airlifted from Manipur’s capital Imphal to New Delhi for advanced treatment at a private hospital in Gurugram and was on ventilator support for the past one-week.

Several political leaders in Manipur, including Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, posted condolence messages on X.

Mr. Valte, a third-time legislator who had also been an adviser to former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on tribal affairs, was attacked by the mob while leaving the Chief Minister’s office after attending a meeting.

As Mr. Valte was on his way to his official residence at Lamphelpat, his official car was stopped by a group of people wearing black clothes. He and his driver, Thanghoulal, also a Kuki-Zo, were taken to a community centre nearby. The personal security officer (PSO), Elangbam Mapu, a Meitei, was let go by the mob. The driver died two days later.

Mr. Valte was stunned by a Taser gun and was repeatedly hit on the head with a sharp object, his son Joseph Valte had told The Hindu in an interview on June 7, 2023.

Based on the PSO’s complaint, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Imphal police station under charges of attempt to murder and causing grievous hurt against “unknown persons.”

“On his way to the quarter, a large mob attacked the MLA and his escort team on RIMS road near Nityainanda Temple. The escort team could not control the violent mob, which also vandalised the vehicles. As a result of the attack, the MLA and his personal driver were injured and admitted in an unconscious state at RIMS casualty department,” the FIR stated.

No arrest has so far been made in the case.