New Delhi, Feb 09 : BJP legislator Vungzagin Valte was airlifted to New Delhi on Sunday for advanced medical evaluation after sustaining severe injuries in an alleged mob assault linked to Manipur’s ongoing ethnic unrest. He was evacuated in an air ambulance as doctors continue to monitor his critical condition.
Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand was present at Imphal Airport during Valte’s departure. The medical evacuation comes amid renewed political volatility and street protests in the state following recent developments in the government.
Valte’s son, David Mang Valte, said the family was recently informed of complications affecting his father’s lungs. Speaking from Churachandpur, he said Valte’s condition had stabilised marginally but remained serious due to injuries sustained during the violence.
According to the family, the attack occurred against the backdrop of tensions involving the Kuki, Meitei and Zomi communities. David Mang Valte said the MLA was assaulted while returning after meeting the former chief minister during the unrest, alleging the involvement of the Arambai Tenggol group.
BJP MLA Tongbram Robindro Singh said the newly formed government is prioritising peace and stability. He added that efforts are underway under Chief Minister Khemchand’s leadership to restore normalcy and that people across Manipur are praying for Valte’s recovery.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence since May 2023, with prolonged tensions severely affecting daily life, governance and economic activity. The latest escalation followed protests triggered by the induction of Kuki-Zomi legislators into the state cabinet after the lifting of President’s Rule.
Demonstrations intensified after the swearing-in of Deputy Chief Ministers Nemcha Kipgen and Losii Dikho, leading to clashes between protesters and security forces in parts of Imphal. Stone pelting, arson, tear gas deployment and overnight standoffs were reported, particularly in the Tuibong Main Market area.
Despite security reinforcements, tensions continued through the night as protesters regrouped repeatedly. The situation remains fragile even as the new government, sworn in last week by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, attempts to steady the state amid lingering unrest.