Imphal, India — Manipur Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh arrived in Churachandpur on Tuesday to pay his respects at the funeral of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Pu Valte, who was killed in a 2023 armed assault. Singh told mourners that Valte’s family “is like my family” and expressed sorrow that he could not be by the MLA’s side during the fatal incident.
The chief minister’s visit sparked a pre‑emptive shutdown call from local protest groups, who warned of possible unrest ahead of the ceremony. Authorities deployed police to maintain order as residents gathered for the last rites.
Pu Valte, a BJP MLA from the Churachandpur constituency, was among several politicians targeted in a violent attack in 2023 that left him dead and heightened ethnic tensions in the state. The incident remains under investigation, with local officials having filed a case against unidentified assailants.
Singh’s remarks emphasized personal ties with the deceased: “I came here to pay my last respects to my friend Pu Valte. To be able to attend it is a huge honour for me.” He added that he “regrets not being by his side during the 2023 attack.”
The ceremony proceeded without major incident, though security forces kept a heightened presence. Community leaders called for calm and urged the government to address lingering grievances that have fueled periodic violence in Manipur’s hill districts.
Analysis: Singh’s attendance underscores the BJP’s effort to consolidate support in a region still reeling from political violence. By publicly aligning himself with Valte’s family, the chief minister signals solidarity with local constituents and attempts to mitigate any perception of political distance. The shutdown call reflects lingering distrust among certain groups, highlighting the fragile security environment that continues to challenge the state’s administration.
Sources
– The Hindu, “Protest, shutdown call in Manipur’s Churachandpur ahead of CM’s visit to MLA Valte’s last rites,” https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/manipur/protest-shutdown-call-in-manipurs-churachandpur-ahead-of-cms-visit-to-mla-valtes-last-rites/article71182021.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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