Kuki BJP MLA attacked by Meiteis in 2023 airlifted to Delhi; Manipur CM meets him at airport

Guwahati: Senior BJP MLA belonging to Kuki community, Vungzagin Valte, who was critically injured in alleged attack by the Meiteis in May 2023 in Imphal, was on Sunday airlifted to New Delhi after his condition deteriorated.

Valte, who had been living in Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, was first brought to Imphal airport by a helicopter and was later airlifted to New Delhi at 4.30 pm, for better treatment.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who took charge on February 4, met Valte at Imphal airport before he was airlifted. Valte was attacked at Imphal on May 3, 2023, when he was returning after meeting the then CM N. Biren Singh. The Meitei-Kuki conflict had started on that day.

He was earlier airlifted to New Delhi with critical injury. He was brought to Churachandpur but his condition deteriorated further on Saturday.

An official statement said CM Khemchand Singh monitored Valte’s health condition throughout Saturday night night and sent an advanced life-support ambulance along with a team of doctors from Imphal to Churachandpur around midnight.

"Through tele-conferencing, doctors from Imphal remained in constant touch with the medical team at Churachandpur Medical College Hospital. Taking personal care of the situation, the Chief Minister immediately arranged an air ambulance to evacuate the BJP MLA."

Kuki group appeal

Kuki Zo Council (KZC), an apex body of Kuki organisations engaged in talks with the government, in a statement appealed all Kuki government and non-government employees not to accept posting in Meitei-dominated areas. The council said the conflict with the Meiteis was not over as no political solution was reached yet. It said the new government, which took charge on February 4, may issue order for posting but all should avoid Meitei-inhabited areas for safety.