Phongsajin Valte, a BJP MLA from Thanlon Assembly headquarters in Phirzawal district, was brutally assaulted by a mob in Imphal on May 4, 2023.
Phongsagen Valte, a senior Kuki Zo lawmaker and former Manipur minister, died at a private hospital in Gurugram on Friday after a nearly three-year battle with injuries he sustained during the 2023 ethnic violence, Deputy Chief Minister Nimsha Kipgen said.
“It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Bo Phongsajen Valte, Hon’ble MLA, 56- Thanlon AC. He was a dedicated leader who worked tirelessly for the welfare and progress of his people,” Kipgen said on X.
Valte, a BJP MLA from Thanlon Assembly headquarters in Pherazawl district, was brutally assaulted by a mob in Imphal on May 4, 2023, when he was returning from a meeting with the then Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, just as the state descended into ethnic conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences on the death of the senior Manipur politician. “Bo Vongsagen Valte loved serving people and dedicated his life to societal progress and welfare. He distinguished himself as an active MLA. His death is very sad. My thoughts are with his family, friends and supporters at this sad hour,” he said.
The three-time MLA has been in and out of critical care since the assault. He was initially sent to Delhi after the 2023 attack, and underwent intensive treatment for more than a year before returning to Manipur in April last year. However, his health condition took a turn for the worse and he was recently airlifted to Delhi for treatment at a popular Gurugram hospital.
Valte was an important figure in Manipur politics and was among the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs who demanded a “separate administration” in the form of a union territory after the 2023 violence.
