New Delhi
Vungzagin Valte, a BJP MLA hailing from the Kuki-Zomi tribal community in Manipur, is slowly recovering after being attacked by mobs. The horrifying incident took place in the capital of Manipur, Imphal, in May. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety and security of politicians and citizens in Manipur. As MLA Vungzagin Valte fights to recover from this heinous attack, the need for swift and decisive action to ensure justice and safety for all has become more apparent than ever.
To know more about the incident, The Sunday Guardian tried speaking exclusively to the victim, MLA Vungzagin Valte, and his family. However, Valte was unable to speak as he was yet to recover from the attack, so his wife, Maiinu Valte, and son Suan, answered questions. Excerpts:
Q: When did the incident happen?
A [Wife]: The incident took place on 4 May when my husband was returning home after visiting Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. On his way, he changed his usual route and took an alternative one. In the meantime, a mob stopped his car and started asking him questions. By that time, another mob came and dragged him along with his driver from the car and started beating him. They beat him on his face and head; not only this, they also gave him an electric shock. After this horrific torture, he became unconscious. Seeing him unconscious, they left him on the street.
Q: Who gave you information regarding the incident?
A [Wife]: My husband’s PSO arrived and informed us about the incident. On hearing what had happened, I felt like the ground slipping under my feet; we rushed to the hospital, but then they referred us. When I saw my husband, I started crying. On the same day, we came to Delhi and admitted my husband and his driver to AIIMS, but the doctors couldn’t save our driver. However, the doctor saved my husband’s life and gave our family a new life.
Q: What do the doctors say about the current situation of Vungzagin Valte?
A [Son]: The mob had attacked my father’s head multiple times with sharp objects. He was also beaten in the face, and due to this, his skull was damaged. He was not only beaten but electrocuted so badly that he is currently unable to sit on his own for two minutes. He has also lost his speaking skills. However, doctors have said that now the situation is under control, but it will take him months to recover. But slowly, he will respond and do well. By God’s grace, my father is alive now.
Q: Will you fly back to Manipur?
A [Son]: We are in fear now. If my father, an MLA, was not safe in the state, you can imagine the condition of a common man in the state. Due to fear and concerns about safety, we have decided not to return to Imphal until the situation improves. They (Meiteis) alienated us. We have not distanced ourselves, but they asked the tribals to leave. So, I urge the central government to intervene and take charge.
Q: Has any minister from Manipur or party come to visit you?
A [Son]: G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for DoNER, Tourism, and Culture, BJP state president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, and Education Minister of State L. Jayanta Kumar Singh had come to meet my father, but apart from these individuals, no other prominent leaders from the party came to offer support, and this has left the family disheartened.