Manipur’s Kuki-Zo MLA Vungzagin Valte, Who is Home After 2 Years Post the Near Fatal Attack on Him in 2023, Appeals for Peace

Vungzagin Valte said while dialogue is necessary, it should be continuous and take into account the sentiments of the minorities as well

Vungzagin Valte, MLA from Thanlon Constituency in Manipur, who was almost fatally injured during an attack on him in May 2023 at the very beginning of the ethnic violence in the state, has made a heartfelt appeal for peace and unity between the warring communities of Manipur.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, after returning home in Churachandpur after 2 years, Valte said that he wants a good relationship between the majority Meiteis and the minority Kuki-Zo community.

“I do not know the situation right now, but I want good relationship between the majority Meiteis and minority Kukis in the state. Manipur’s future is bleak and its future does not look good now. Both communities should come together to find a solution. Without considering majority and minority we have to consider ourselves as Manipur.”

He also said, “While dialogue is necessary, it should be continuous and take into account the sentiments of the minorities as well. In a dialogue, minority sentiments should also be respected.”

He further said that Centre needs to play a big role in bringing peace.

This was the first interview given by MLA Valte to a media platform based outside Manipur after his return home.

Vungzagin Valte was brutally attacked in May 2023, at the very start of the ongoing crisis between the Meitei and Kuki communities.

After being under treatment and bedridden for close to two years in New Delhi, he returned home on April 9.

The attack on Valte took place on May 4, 2023, when he was on his way back after meeting the then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to advocate for peace on behalf of the Zohnahthlak community. On his way back from the meeting, a huge mob stopped him near RIMS Road in Imphal West. They assaulted him so brutally that one side of his face was crushed, and his left eye was damaged.

Valte was airlifted to Delhi the next day for emergency treatment. He spent several weeks on a ventilator with a feeding tube at Apollo Hospital, battling for his life. Since then, he has been under long-term medical care, recovering from the physical and emotional trauma of the assault.

Also Read: Manipur Sees Highest-Ever Deployment of IPS Officers with 16 Appointed to the Strife-torn State

For more news and updates, visit: Northeast Live

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