Lamka, Feb 26, 2026: The Zomi Council Headquarters, Lamka, has submitted a memorandum to the Hon'ble Union Home Minister, Government of India, expressing deep anger and concern over the continued delay in delivering justice to late Pu Vungzagin Valte, MLA from 56-Thanlon Assembly Constituency.
In the memorandum dated 25 February 2026, the Zomi Council strongly condemned what it described as the continued failure of the Central Government to ensure justice nearly three years after the brutal attack on Pu Vungzagin Valte in Imphal on May 4, 2023.
Pu Vungzagin Valte, a senior tribal legislator and respected voice of the Zo people, was attacked by a mob allegedly led by members of Arambai Tenggol while returning from the Chief Minister's bungalow in Imphal during the outbreak of ethnic violence. The attack took place in the heart of the state capital.
The Council stated that despite the passage of nearly three years, there has been no visible time-bound prosecution, no decisive accountability, and no clear direction toward justice.
It said the delay reflects not only political neglect but also deeper structural issues, including what it described as the systematic marginalisation and vulnerability of the Zo and other hill tribes under a Meitei-dominated state system in Manipur.
The memorandum also raised constitutional concerns, referring to Article 355 of the Constitution of India, which places a duty upon the Union Government to protect states against internal disturbances and ensure governance according to constitutional provisions. The Zomi Council termed the continued delay in securing justice as a grave failure of responsibility.
While stressing that criminal accountability is essential, the Council stated that justice for Pu Vungzagin Valte cannot be limited to prosecution alone.
It argued that the root causes of the violence lie in long-standing political grievances and structural imbalances.
According to the memorandum, a meaningful political settlement ensuring dignified political autonomy for the Zo hill tribes is necessary for lasting peace.
The Zomi Council made two key demands:
A time-bound engagement by the Government of India to address and fulfil the political aspirations of the Zo hill tribes through concrete constitutional and administrative measures ensuring genuine political autonomy and security.
Speeding up the ongoing CBI enquiry into the attack case (RC 5/2023).
The Council expressed concern over unanswered questions surrounding the incident, including the death of Pu Valte's driver, Mr. Thangboi, who succumbed to injuries on the same day. It demanded that the case be pursued impartially and that all those responsible be booked in a time-bound manner.
The memorandum concluded by stating that "justice delayed is justice denied," adding that justice denied to Pu Vungzagin Valte is justice denied to the Zo people. It reiterated that without an honourable political settlement guaranteeing dignified autonomy for the Zo hill tribes, lasting peace cannot be achieved.
The memorandum was signed by Zomi Council Chairman Vumsuan Naulak and General Secretary Pauneihlal.
