CM Khemchand defers proposed Delhi visit
Manipur BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who survived a deadly mob attack in an attack by protesters in Imphal during the initial days of the of Meitei-Kuki ethnic clashes in May 2023, died on Friday at a hospital in Haryana’s Gurugram.
Reports said that the BJP MLA from Thanlon Assembly Constituency of Pherzwal district breathed his last this evening at the hospital in Delhi where he was shifted from Churachandpur on February 7 last. He was 63 years old.
On February 7, he was admitted to the ICU at Churachandpur Medical College Hospital for stabilisation.
In view of the seriousness of his condition, he was then airlifted on February 8 from Imphal to Medanta – The Medicity in Gurugram for advanced treatment.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh had closely monitored Valte’s health condition through the night and arranged for an advanced life-support ambulance along with a team of doctors from Imphal to be dispatched to Churachandpur around midnight to facilitate his transfer.
Valte was placed in critical condition after an attack during the May 2023 violence.
After attending a meeting called by chief minister N Biren Singh, he was on his way home when he was brutally attacked on May 4, 2024 in Imphal’s Nagamapal.
After nearly two years of treatment in Delhi, Valte returned home to Churachandpur, accompanied by his wife on 18 April 2025.
Though an official statement related to the sudden demise of the sitting MLA was yet to be released till the time of filing his report, reliable sources said chief minister Y Khemchand Singh had cancelled his proposed visit to New Delhi to meet with Central leaders.
He was scheduled to leave Imphal tomorrow to hold consultations with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP leaders on the pending expansion of his ministry and allocation of portfolios, according to sources.
His two deputies and two cabinet ministers were also reportedly planning to join him in the meeting.
However, according to the sources, he deferred his visit till February 22.
Singh was sworn in on February 4 after nearly a year of President’s Rule in the state. However, portfolios have not yet been assigned to the two deputy chief ministers and two ministers who took oath alongside him
Besides, he has to induct more ministers in his council of ministers which can have 12 including the chief minister himself.
Sources said that the chief minister had already sent a proposal on portfolio allocation for the deputy chief ministers and ministers as well as a list of MLAs who can be inducted as ministers in his council of ministers.
The central leadership has reportedly asked Khemchand to visit Delhi for detailed discussions on the distribution of departments and the broader ministry expansion.
On the other hand, deputy chief minister Nemcha Kipgen has expressed her deep sorrow while mourning the demise of MLA Vungzagin Valte.
“He was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare and progress of his people. His humility, integrity, and commitment to public service have left a lasting impact,” the deputy chief minister wrote on her social media platforms. “My sincere condolences to his family and supporters. May God grant them strength and comfort during this time of grief. Rest in Peace Pu,” she added.