The mortal remains of Manipur MLA Vungzagin Valte reached Churachandpur in the early hours of Monday, triggering an outpouring of grief across the hill district as thousands of mourners lined the roads to bid a tearful farewell.

Valte’s body entered Manipur through the Tuivai River border between Mizoram and Manipur before proceeding towards his native town. The funeral service of the 62-year-old legislator is likely to be held on Tuesday. His mortal remains will be kept at his residence in Dorcas Veng later this evening to allow the public to pay their last respects.

The MLA from Thanlon Assembly Constituency passed away on February 21 at Medanta – The Medicity, where he had been undergoing advanced medical treatment. He was airlifted to New Delhi on February 8 after his health deteriorated.

Valte had been battling severe health complications since May 4, 2023, when he was brutally attacked a day after ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3. The assault left him critically injured, making him one of the earliest high-profile victims of the prolonged ethnic conflict that shook the state. Since then, he had remained under intensive medical care, with his condition fluctuating over months of treatment.

As his mortal remains made their way to Churachandpur, emotional scenes unfolded across villages and towns. Several organisations and community groups organised tribute programmes along the route. The body was received by the Zomi Council, the Zomi Youth Association, community leaders and supporters who gathered in large numbers to pay homage.

At Sinzawl village, the cortege halted at the community hall, where villagers, village authority leaders, ZYA members and residents offered solemn tributes. Floral wreaths, prayers and tearful farewells marked the atmosphere as people remembered Valte’s political service and his resilience through nearly two years of medical struggle.

From Sinzawl, the procession proceeded towards Thanlon subdivisional headquarters via the NEC road, with villagers lining the highway to offer flowers and prayers. The cortege is expected to reach Churachandpur town around 11 am before the body is taken to his home in Dorcas Veng later in the evening.