Valte’s body moved to morgue for autopsy; tribal groups renew UT demand

Churachandpur: The body of 56-Thanlon assembly constituency MLA Vungzagin Valte was moved from his residence at New Lamka, Dorcas Veng, and kept at the Churachandpur District Hospital morgue at around 1:30 pm on Tuesday for an autopsy, family sources said.A family source said the autopsy report was being sought because Valte’s death is linked to injuries sustained in a mob attack on May 4, 2023, which the source alleged was instigated by Arambai Tenggol. The source added the case involves an “unnatural death” due to violence and called for proper procedure and investigation by a high-profile agency.In Churachandpur district on Wednesday, tribal organisations held a candlelight vigil at the Churachandpur District Hospital, where the body of the BJP legislator was kept, and renewed their demand for a Union Territory with legislature.The vigil drew large participation from members of the Kuki, Zomi, Hmar and Mizo communities. The programme was organised by the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) and saw participation from the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), Hmar Students’ Association (HSA), Mizo Students’ Union (MSU) and other civil society groups.Slogans including “no rest till UT is achieved” and “ee want justice” were raised at the gathering. Speakers alleged Valte’s death had strengthened tribal unity and intensified the push for a separate administrative arrangement for the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo people.Valte’s eldest son, Gousuan, appealed to the public to continue his father’s political agenda. “My father’s dream should not go in vain,” he told the crowd, saying the late MLA had consistently advocated for a Union Territory with legislature and had sought to meet the Prime Minister to place the demand formally despite deteriorating health.KSO president Minlal Gangte described Valte as a leader committed to public welfare. “Though he is no longer with us, his ideals must live on until they are fulfilled,” Gangte said, urging unity. He also welcomed the family’s decision to transport the mortal remains through Mizoram to allow people from the constituency to pay last respects.Leaders of the Hmar Students’ Association said mourning would be incomplete without pursuing Valte’s political vision. They recalled that Valte had written to the Prime Minister seeking intervention before he was allegedly attacked during violence in Imphal last year.ZSF president Nengzalian thanked participants and called for continued solidarity. “All the wishes of Valte will be accomplished if we continue to fight together,” he said.Representatives of village defence groups, including the Central Village Defence Force (CVDF), Hmar Defence Volunteer Force (HDVF) and Kuki-Zomi Defence Volunteers (KZDV), also addressed the vigil, saying they were prepared to take more proactive steps in support of a separate administration and sought public cooperation.