BJP MLA Vungjagin Valte was airlifted to Delhi for medical treatment after suffering critical injuries in an alleged mob attack amid ongoing unrest in Manipur.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand accompanies BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who is being flown to Delhi in an air ambulance for a medical check-up at Imphal Airport, in Imphal. (ANI Photo)
BJP MLA Vungjagin Valte was airlifted to Delhi on Sunday for medical examination after sustaining serious injuries in an alleged mob attack linked to Manipur’s continuing communal unrest. He was flown out in an air ambulance, as his condition remains critical.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand received Valte at Imphal Airport before his departure. The evacuation comes at a time when the state is witnessing fresh political tension and street protests following recent changes in the government.
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Valte’s son, David Mang Valte, speaking from Churachandpur, said the family was informed two days ago about complications related to his father’s lungs. “The day before yesterday, we came to know that he has a lung problem. Now his condition is a little bit stable. He is critical after he suffered from that mob violence. His health is not in good condition for now,” he told ANI.
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David Mang Valte said the attack took place against the backdrop of tensions between the Kuki, Meitei and Zomi communities. According to him, the MLA had gone to meet the former Chief Minister of Manipur during the period of unrest.
“Due to the communal crisis between the Kuki, the Maiti, and the Zomi communities, he went to visit the former CM of Manipur. On his way back home, he was attacked by the Arambai Tenggol,” he said.
BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said the newly formed government is focused on stabilising the situation. “Following the formation of the new popular government in Manipur, sustained efforts are underway under the leadership of the CM, Yumnam Khemchand. We are working to restore peace and normalcy in the state. All the people of Manipur are wishing for his speedy recovery,” he told reporters.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence since May 2023, with tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities continuing for nearly two years. Months of unrest have reshaped daily life in Manipur, hurting livelihoods, disrupting economic activity and testing the state’s ability to govern.
The latest flare-up followed protests after the swearing-in of Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho. Anger erupted over the inclusion of three Kuki-Zomi MLAs in the Manipur government. While Nemcha Kipgen was sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister, two others, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur, were reportedly due to take oath.
Opposing the move, protesters staged demonstrations demanding justice. The situation escalated on Thursday evening at around 6 pm in the Tuibong Main Market area, where hundreds of young protesters attempted to push security forces back to their barracks.
As security personnel refused to withdraw, clashes broke out, with stone pelting reported and tyres set ablaze on the road. Assam Rifles officials, including the commander of the 27 Sector, were deployed to control the situation, though initial attempts failed to calm the crowd.
Security forces later temporarily pulled back while maintaining their positions. Protesters regrouped multiple times through the night. Tear gas was used intermittently, and around 11 pm, a lathi charge was carried out to disperse the crowd. Despite this, the situation remained tense as protesters regrouped again and resumed confrontation with security personnel.
Last week, BJP Manipur Legislature Party leader Yumnam Khemchand Singh was sworn in as Chief Minister after the withdrawal of President’s Rule. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla administered the oath at Lok Bhavan in Imphal.
Senior legislators Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho also took oath as Deputy Chief Ministers. BJP workers later gathered at the party headquarters in Imphal to celebrate the appointment of the new Chief Minister.
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