A candlelight vigil took place in Lamka, Manipur, to commemorate the late BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte on the eve of a 13-hour shutdown called by Zomi frontal organisations at the Churachandpur Medical College campus.
Participants reiterated their call for justice in connection with Valte’s death.
The BJP MLA from Thanlon died on February 20, 2026, from injuries sustained during a mob assault amid ethnic violence in Manipur in May 2023.
Speaking to ANI on Tuesday, Muanlian, a member of the Zomi Coordination Committee, said the vigil was organised to express “collective anguish and grief” over Valte’s death and to demand a probe and justice from both the BJP-led central and state governments. He confirmed that protests would continue until these demands are met. “We are organising this candlelight vigil today to mark two months of his untimely death and to express our collective anguish and grief over the fact that the central government and the state government have not acted upon our demand for justice regarding his death and the causes behind his death. We will also carry forward these protests in any means possible…,” he stated.
Muanlian further alleged that Valte was the victim of a “premeditated assault” during the ethnic violence and called on authorities to complete the developmental initiatives Valte had begun for his constituency. “Our demand is basically to finish what our MLA has been taking up during his lifetime. His life was cut short through a premeditated assault by the radical militants on the 3rd of May, where they tortured him and his driver. Unfortunately, his driver died… All those projects, schemes, and developmental activities which he has promised to his people, to his constituency, have remained unfinished. We are here to appeal to the government, state and central, to start a proper investigation, preferably NIA,” he said.
On May 4, 2023, amid rising mob violence in Imphal, residents from across Manipur reportedly sought shelter at Valte’s residence. Concerned about the clashes and seeking relief for his constituents, Valte went to meet the then Chief Minister. On returning, his car was surrounded by a mob, he was pulled out, tortured and electrocuted, and his driver was severely beaten, later succumbing to his injuries.
Valte was transferred to Delhi where he remained on a ventilator for several weeks before returning to Manipur once fully fit.
On February 9, 2026, the BJP MLA was airlifted to Delhi for a medical check-up following the injuries from the attack. After approximately 11 days, Valte died from his injuries on February 20.