Imphal, July 4 -- Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday said dialogue remains the only way to end the state's prolonged ethnic conflict as he visited Churachandpur to attend the funeral of former BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, marking his first visit to the district since violence erupted in May 2023.

Khemchand arrived by helicopter and paid his last respects to Valte at the YPA New Lamka Cemetery in Dorcas Veng. The former Thanlon MLA, who died in February from injuries sustained in a mob attack during the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023, was laid to rest with full state honours and a ceremonial gun salute.

Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister expressed grief over Valte's death and recalled discussions he had held...