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Lamka, Feb 23, 2026: The Kuki Students' Organisation Churachandpur (KSO), Churachandpur District, has announced a 24-hour districtwide mourning in honour of its beloved elected representative, Vungzagin Valte, MLA of 56-Thanlon Assembly Constituency. The mourning will begin at 6:00 AM on February 24, 2026, as his mortal remains are expected to reach the district.
In a press release issued on February 23, 2026, the organisation paid its highest tribute to the late leader. It described him as a committed public servant and a strong voice for justice, dignity and democratic values. The statement also recalled that he was a victim of the ethnic violence that broke out on May 4, 2023, and said his sacrifice remains a painful reminder of the suffering faced by the people.
During the 24-hour mourning period, all business establishments, educational institutions and offices have been requested to remain closed as a mark of respect. The public has also been urged to participate in receiving the mortal remains when they arrive in the district.
However, exemption has been granted to students appearing for Board, Council and other examinations, who must carry their admit cards. All emergency services will also remain exempted from the closure.
In its press release dated February 23, 2026, the Federation appealed to the public to cooperate in observing the closure. It also requested people to take part in receiving the mortal remains, which are expected to arrive in Lamka at around 12:00 noon.
Furthermore, the Federation has urged residents to hoist black flags in front of their homes as a mark of homage to the departed leader. The statement prayed that the Almighty may be with the bereaved family and loved ones.
Exemption from the closure has been granted to students appearing for Board and Council examinations, who are required to carry their admit cards. All essential services will remain exempted.
Lamka, Feb 23, 2026: The Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) has expressed profound grief over the demise of Vungzagin Valte, MLA of 56-Thanlon Assembly Constituency, and renewed its demand for a Separate Administration in the form of a Union Territory with legislature for the Kuki-Zo people.
In a press release issued on February 23, 2026, the Forum stated that Pu Vungzagin Valte succumbed to the brutal injuries he sustained on May 4, 2023. On that day, after meeting the then Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, he was allegedly assaulted by a mob while seeking safe passage for his people. The ITLF said he was left to die on the roadside, while his driver, Pu Thanghoulal Zou, was killed on the spot. After nearly three years of suffering, the MLA breathed his last on February 21, 2026.
The Forum described his death as a painful testimony to the atrocities endured by the Kuki-Zo community. It stated that the killing of the MLA and the loss of over 200 Kuki-Zo lives reflect systematic violence, displacement and destruction. According to the statement, villages were burnt, homes and churches destroyed, and innocent civilians forced to flee from areas where they had lived for generations. It also expressed concern that no arrests have been made so far in connection with the attack on the MLA.
Citing continued insecurity, the ITLF reiterated that the demand for a Separate Administration is not a political ambition but a matter of survival, dignity and constitutional rights. It appealed to the Government of India to initiate an immediate and honourable political settlement ensuring safety, justice and self-administration for the Kuki-Zo people.
The Forum further informed that Pu Vungzagin Valte will be laid to rest on February 24, 2026. It urged the public to cooperate with the funeral arrangements and maintain peace and solemnity during the proceedings.
This is Martyrs’ Park in Sehken, near Mata Dam — a silent ground that carries deep pain and sacred memory. Here rest the victims of Meitei atrocities, laid to peace on a plot of land generously donated by the Sehken village chief of the Zou community. It is not just soil, but a place of tears, honour and remembrance for our beloved ones.
Their graves were dug by the hands of our youths — with sweat, not by machines or JCBs. Every spade of earth was turned with pain, sacrifice and deep respect. It was labour born out of love and honour, a final act of devotion to those we lost.
Other Martyrs’ Parks across Kangpokpi district stand as quiet witnesses to the same sorrow and sacrifice.
Lamka, July 4, 2026: The Kuki Human Rights Council (KHRC) has strongly condemned the Government of India for facilitating Manipur Chief Min...