Churachandpur: Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho visited the residence of late MLA Vungzagin Valte in Churachandpur district and met with the bereaved family members on Monday.
During his visit, Deputy CM Dikho assured the bereaved family of all possible assistance as they navigate these difficult times, while consoling them over their loss.
He was accompanied by N Ashok Kumar, Commissioner of the State Home Department, and Dharun Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur district.
His visit took place during the ongoing month of Zomi national mourning, declared in honour of the late BJP sitting MLA Valte. Following the condolence visit, a closed-door meeting was held between the Deputy Chief Minister and representatives of the Zomi Co-ordination Committee (ZCC) at the DC office.
During the meeting, representatives of the ZCC urged the government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the May 4, 2023 assault on late MLA Valte and to bring justice to the bereaved family.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Chief Minister Dikho said the state’s priority was to console the bereaved family. He also mentioned that the state government, led by the Chief Minister, had met the family members in Delhi and extended all possible assistance to bring home the mortal remains of late MLA Valte.
Dikho further noted that the meeting with the representatives of the Zomi Co-ordination Committee was also important, as it provided an opportunity to discuss ways forward for peace and understanding.
The representatives strongly demanded justice for the bereaved family and the community. Dikho stated that their concerns were taken seriously and assured that the matter would be brought to the attention of the government. He also assured that another meeting with the Committee would be held soon.
According to the ZCC, the closed-door meeting also covered various matters, including the need to expedite the investigation in cases of deaths arising from violent assaults, the future course of action towards peace, and advancing a political solution under the Suspension of Operations framework in a manner acceptable to all communities.
The Committee said that the Government reiterated its commitment to ensure that those responsible for the May 4, 2023 assault are investigated, prosecuted and brought to justice. Dikho also informed them that since a full Cabinet is yet to be constituted, major policy decisions may require time.
The Committee further stated that additional decisions regarding the ongoing protest measures will be guided by written communication and visible progress on the issues discussed during the meeting.
Additionally, the Council noted that the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and assured that the matter would be placed at the appropriate level of the Government for further action.
It may be noted that late MLA Valte, who belonged to the Zomi tribe, died on February 20 in Gurugram, nearly three years after he was brutally assaulted by a mob in Imphal on May 4, 2023. His body was flown from Delhi to Aizawl at the family’s request. He was brought to his residence in Churachandpur by road from Mizoram on February 24.
Since then, the mortal remains of MLA Valte have been kept at the Churachandpur district hospital morgue. Family members and community members have refused to bury him until the Government of India fulfils the political aspirations of the Zo hill tribes and speeds up the ongoing CBI enquiry into his death.
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