Both the MLAs are from Kangpokpi district.
Kuki MLAs attend Manipur Assembly in person for first time in over 3 years
The CM attributed the development to the state government's persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities
For the first time since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur over three years ago, Kuki MLAs on Wednesday (September 2) attended a Manipur Assembly session in person.
According to a Manipur government statement, Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing of Kuki Peoples' Alliance (KPA) and Independent legislator Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu seat attended the first day of the session.
Both the MLAs are from Kangpokpi district. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen also attended the session virtually.
Kuki MLAs return to Assembly
“The 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced in today Imphal, marked by a significant development as legislators from the Kuki-Zo community attended in person for the first time in over three years. Shri Haokholet Kipgen, MLA of Saitu Assembly Constituency and Smt. Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, MLA of Saikul Assembly Constituency, were physically present during the first sitting of the session,” said the statement.
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“Their attendance comes after a gap of three and a half years, during which representatives from the community had not physically participated in person in the House proceedings,” it added.
CM calls attendance positive step
Welcoming the development, Chief Minister Shri Yumnam Khemchand Singh described it as “a positive step toward fostering unity and peace in the state.”
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Singh attributed the development to the state government's persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities. He also reiterated his administration's commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.
“The Chief Minister further attributed this development to the state government's persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities. He reiterated his administration's commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation,” the statement said.
Kuki body had opposed travel
During the days, Kipgen said he is happy to come back to attend the Assembly after a long time.
Earlier, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kukis, had directed all MLAs from the community not to travel to Meitei-majority Imphal to attend the Assembly session which started on Wednesday, pending a political settlement on the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration.
More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 2023.
Recently, passenger bus services between Imphal and Guwahati via Kuki Zo areas also resumed. "The resumption of public road transport service along the Imphal-Dimapur-Guwahati route via National Highway 2 continued smoothly, with more than 400 passengers departing from Imphal in 19 vehicles today. The vehicles comprise of 8 buses and 11 wingers left Imphal at around 10:00 am this morning," stated a government release.
(With agency inputs)