The seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly resumed on Monday in the Assembly Hall in Imphal after it had been adjourned sine die on February 5, 2026. The session began with obituary references delivered by the members of the House.
Six out of the nine Kuki–Zo–Hmar MLAs attended the first day of the budget session through virtual mode via video conference. A television screen placed inside the Assembly floor displayed their live participation. The MLAs who joined the session virtually included Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen; L. M. Khaute, MLA of Churachandpur; Letzamang Haokip, MLA of Henglep; Ngursanglur Sanate, MLA of Tipaimukh; Kimneo Haokip Hansing, MLA of Saikul; and Haokholet Kipgen, MLA of Saitu. Khaute also participated in the obituary debate through video conference.
Members across party lines expressed deep condolences over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Manipur Governor La. Ganesan, and several former members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly and officials.
Leader of the House and Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said the participation of Kuki–Zo–Hmar MLAs in the Assembly session was a positive step towards restoring normalcy in the state. He described it as a good beginning that should be encouraged by all.
Speaker of the Assembly Thokchom Satyabrata Singh also welcomed the move, noting that six tribal MLAs attended the first day of the budget session. He recalled that during the trust vote of the Chief Minister on February 5, three Kuki–Zo–Hmar MLAs had also participated through video conferencing.
The Speaker informed the House that MLA Letpao Haokip had sought leave of absence during the session due to illness, which was unanimously granted by the Assembly.
According to official sources, the state government had earlier made elaborate arrangements to enable Kuki–Zo–Hmar MLAs to join the session virtually. Facilities were set up at NIC centres in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, as well as at Manipur Bhawan in Guwahati and New Delhi.
During the obituary reference, L.M. Khaute paid tribute to the late leaders and noted that former MLA Vungzagin Valte had worked tirelessly for the development of his Thanlon constituency and died in tragic circumstances.
Speaker Satyabrata Singh moved a resolution expressing the Assembly’s deep sorrow over the deaths. The House adopted the resolution and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed souls.
Several legislators, including senior leader Okram Ibobi Singh and other members of the House, also participated in the obituary references and expressed their condolences.
