Khemchand visits CCpur, attends Valte’s funeral

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 4: Yumnam Khemchand has become the first Chief Minister to visit Churachandpur after the violent conflict broke out on May 3, 2023 and attended the funeral service of late MLA Vungzagin Valte.
The Chief Minister travelled to Churachandpur by helicopter as he had to return to Imphal to attend a virtual meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah later in the day, according to a press release issued by the CM Secretariat.
Khemchand attended the funeral service of late MLA Vungzagin Valte at his residence at Dorcas Veng, Churachandpur.
Speaking at the funeral service, the Chief Minister described the late Thanlon legislator as “a very calm person” and recalled their close association since 2017, when he first became the Speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly.
He reflected on the tragic incident of May 4, 2023, when Vungzagin Valte was assaulted during the early phase of the Manipur crisis.
“My deepest regret is that on that particular afternoon, if I were with him, that incident would not have taken place,” Khemchand said.
Khemchand emphasized that his visit was a personal gesture of respect.
“Today, I came here for a short visit to pay my last respects to my friend Pu Valte. To be able to attend it is a huge honour for me. Valte’s family is like my family. His friends and close ones are my friends too. I will always extend any support to all of them when or if the need arises”, he added.
The Chief Minister also recalled the tense situation during the initial days of the unrest and said every possible effort had been made to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of public representatives.
Later, while interacting with media persons at the residence of the late MLA, the Chief Minister said that dialogue is the only way forward to restore peace and stressed that lasting peace is essential for the overall development of the State.
When asked by a reporter about the roadmap to peace in Manipur,  Khemchand Singh replied, “Your smile is the way for peace,” responding to the manner in which the question was posed with a smile.
The Chief Minister and MLA Tongbram Robindro offered floral tributes and prayed that the departed soul may rest in eternal peace.
Among those who paid homage were MLAs Chin-lunthang, Letzamang, ex- Minister V Hangkhan-lian, numerous supporters, tribal leaders, civil society organisations, and Govt officials.
The mortal remains of late Vungzagin Valte were laid to rest at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery, Dorcas Veng, after rich tributes were paid by family, friends, and the wider community.
He is survived by his wife, a daughter, and two sons.
Notably, since assuming the office of Chief Minister Khemchand had visited Jiribam twice and also Senapati via Kangpokpi by road. The Chief Minister had also visited Ukhrul, interacting with both Kuki and Tangkhul Naga people.