Thadou Community International (TCI) deeply mourned the passing of MLA Vungzagin Valte, who died on February 21, after succumbing to injuries sustained in a mob attack during the Manipur violence in May 2023. Vungzagin Valte was a beloved son of the soil who worked tirelessly for his constituents, the Zomi community, and all the people of Manipur. He held the important positions of Minister for Tribal Affairs and Hill Development, as well as Advisor to the Chief Minister, during his tenure as MLA representing Thanlon Assembly Constituency in the Manipur Legislative Assembly. His contributions to public service and governance were marked by dedication, responsibility, and integrity, said a press release of TCI.
He will forever be remembered for his down-to-earth and friendly personality, along with his unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation. Even after becoming a victim of brutal violence and suffering severe injuries in the mob attack, he continued to stand firmly for peace and harmony, it said.
MLA Valte was among the few political leaders in the state who truly appreciated and upheld the essence of Manipur as a multi-ethnic society. Belonging to the Paite tribe, Valte held deep respect for and full recognition of the distinct identity of the Thadou community, as well as for the unique identities of all other tribes and communities of Manipur, while upholding the principle of Manipur as a united and inclusive state, TCI said. On his final journey for medical treatment in Delhi, he chose to travel through Imphal, demonstrating remarkable courage and conviction—reflecting the very peace he consistently stood for until his final days. Throughout the height of the Manipur violence, he bore no grudge against any individual or community. Instead, he exemplified the values of peace, forgiveness, and peaceful coexistence. Let his death remind us of all of the urgent need to reject violence and embrace peace and non-violent conflict resolution, it said. His death is a profound loss to the state of Manipur and its people. His life remains a powerful legacy of integrity, dignity, humility, warmth, and strong leadership. May his soul rest in eternal peace, TCI said, extending its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to his bereaved family.
