Churachandpur: A 24-hour total shutdown, which began at 6 am, was observed across Churachandpur district on Tuesday in honour of late MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away on Saturday.
The body of MLA Valte, who died in New Delhi after a prolonged illness, reached Aizawl on Sunday evening. From there, his body was transported by road to Churachandpur, arriving on Monday night.
People from different walks of life gathered at his residence in Dorcas Veng to pay their last respects to the departed leader.
However, according to the Zomi Council, an apex body of the Zomi community, the funeral service for MLA Valte is yet to be finalised.
As a mark of collective respect and grief over MLA Valte’s passing, the shutdown was announced by the Kuki Students Organisation (KSO) Churachandpur and the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF).
All educational institutions, business establishments, and both public and private offices remained closed as a sign of respect for the departed leader.
Apart from emergency services, students appearing for board and council examinations were exempted from the shutdown, provided they produced their admit cards.
Paying its highest tribute and homage to their departed leader, KSO stated that Valte will always be remembered not only as a committed and dedicated public servant, but also as a victim of the ethnic violence and targeted campaign against the Kuki-Zo people by radical Meiteis on May 4, 2023.
“His sacrifice stands as a painful reminder of the suffering endured by our people. He was a strong voice for justice, dignity, and democratic values, and a symbol of the political movement and aspirations of the people,” the body stated.
In a separate statement, the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) urged the public to cooperate in observing the shutdown and requested everyone to participate in receiving MLA Valte’s mortal remains.
The student body also appealed to all residents to hang black flags in front of their homes as a mark of homage to the departed soul.
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