A road march was organised in Manipur’s Churachandpur district by members of the Central Village Defence Force (CVDF) to demand justice for former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte and others who lost their lives during the ethnic violence that broke out in the state in 2023.A large number of people joined the march and walked through the town carrying placards and raising slogans seeking justice for the victims. The participants said the march was meant to remind the authorities about the killings that took place during the violence and the need for proper action against those responsible.Speaking to reporters during the programme, CVDF Liaison Officer Rose Ngaihte said the march was organised in a peaceful and democratic manner. She said the protest aimed to draw attention to the lives that were lost during the clashes between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities after violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
Ngaihte strongly criticised the way the situation was handled by both the state and central governments. She said the people affected by the violence are still waiting for justice and that the authorities must carry out a proper investigation into the incidents.“The march is meant to send a clear message to the authorities. People want justice for the innocent lives that were lost,” she said. She also warned that if the voices of the affected communities continue to be ignored, anger and frustration among people may grow further.Vungzagin Valte, who represented the Thanlon constituency in the Manipur Assembly, was severely assaulted by a mob during the violence in May 2023. He suffered serious injuries in the attack and remained under medical care for a long period.
After battling health complications related to the injuries for nearly two years, Valte passed away on February 20 this year.The violence in Manipur had erupted following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU). The rally was held to protest the demand for inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category, which later triggered widespread tension and violence across several districts of the state.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Valte’s death and described him as a committed leader who worked for the welfare of society. The Prime Minister also extended his condolences to the family members of the late MLA.
