I personally knew Late Pu Vungzagin Valte, MLA from 56-Thanlon (ST) Assembly Constituency (2012–2026). There was never any doubt that he was a proud member of the Paite tribe and the Zomi community of Manipur.
He was a courageous, straightforward, and decisive leader. I have always thought that if Pu Vungzagin Valte had not been attacked, the Zomi people might not have reached this level of frustration or engaged in retaliation and counter-retaliation against Meiteis in Zomi-inhabited areas in Lamka, where Meitei settlements are the highest in number among all the hill areas in Manipur. If not, I was of the firm opinion that Pu Vungzagin Valte would have made peace, as I did for the Thadou, while advocating distinctly for the Zomi people. In the past too, my approach and his were never in conflict on various issues and therefore I always support for his work for the distinct identity of the Zomi people, such as securing the recognition of Zomi Namni as a State Restricted Holiday in 2020 during his tenure as Cabinet Minister for GAD in the Government of Manipur, and his efforts for the re-amalgamation of Thanlon Sub-Division back to Churachandpur from Pherzawl in 2022, followed by the creation of Guite-Kual (Circle)/Mualnuam Additional Deputy Commissioner with three subdivisions (Thanlon, Mualnuam, and Songdo) and Churachandpur Medical College at Mata, is a testament to the distinct Zomi identity. I am very positive that if he had not been attacked and injured, he would have distinguished the Zomi people from the Kuki and made peace with the Meiteis at the early stage because I know his commitment.
The attack on him on 4 May 2023 in Imphal, while he was returning from the Chief Minister's Bungalow to his official residence at Lamphelpat without his own security escort and relying on the escort of another MLA and a former DGP, remains one of the most tragic incidents of the Manipur violence. It was an irreparable loss not only to the Zomi people but to the people of Manipur as a whole.
Today, I am encouraged to see his son Pu Joseph Khamgousuan Valte, along with the Zomi Council, in the midst of criticism and a chaotic situation, taking an independent course by reaffirming the distinct identity of the Zomi people and advocating for a peaceful and non-violent path towards the restoration of peace in Manipur.
Congratulations to the Zomi people. Better late than never. I hope this decision provides your leaders with the space and responsibility to pursue a peaceful and constructive future for your community and for Manipur.
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