The Aryavarth Express
Imphal (Manipur), February 9: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vungjagin Valte was airlifted to Delhi on Sunday in an air ambulance for medical treatment after sustaining serious injuries in an alleged mob attack amid continuing communal unrest in Manipur.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh received Valte at Imphal Airport before his departure.
Valte’s son, David Mang Valte, speaking from Churachandpur, said his father’s condition remains critical. “The day before yesterday, we came to know that he has a lung problem. His condition is a little stable now, but he is still critical after suffering injuries from the mob violence. His health is not good at present,” he told .
Explaining the circumstances surrounding the attack, David Mang Valte said that the violence occurred during the ongoing communal crisis involving the Kuki, Meitei, and Zomi communities. “He had gone to visit the former Chief Minister of Manipur. On his way back home, he was attacked by Arambai Tenggol,” he alleged.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said the newly formed government under Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is focused on restoring peace and normalcy in the state. “After the formation of the new popular government, sustained efforts are underway to bring back peace. The people of Manipur are praying for his speedy recovery,” he said.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, with tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities persisting for nearly two years. The prolonged conflict has severely impacted the state’s economy, social harmony, and political stability.
Recent unrest was also triggered by protests over the swearing-in of new Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho. Protesters opposed the inclusion of three Kuki-Zomi MLAs in the Manipur government, including Nemcha Kipgen, who was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, while MLAs LM Khaute and Ngursanglur are reportedly due to take oath.
Opposing the decision, supporters staged massive protests demanding justice. The unrest reportedly began around 6 pm on Thursday at Tuibong Main Market, where hundreds of protesters attempted to force security personnel back to their barracks.
As security forces resisted, the situation escalated with stone pelting and tyre burning. Assam Rifles personnel, including the Commander of the 27 Sector, were deployed to control the situation. Tear gas was used intermittently throughout the night, and at around 11 pm, security forces carried out a lathi charge to disperse the mob. Despite this, clashes continued as protesters regrouped and renewed attacks.
On Wednesday, BJP Manipur Legislature Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administering the oath at Lok Bhavan in Imphal. Senior legislators Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers following the withdrawal of President’s Rule.
BJP workers gathered at the party headquarters in Imphal to celebrate the appointment of Yumnam Khemchand Singh as the new Chief Minister of Manipur.
