The eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced in Imphal on Wednesday, marked by a significant development as legislators from the Kuki-Zo community attended in person for the first time in over three years.
Saitu Assembly constituency legislator Haokholet Kipgen and Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing attended the first sitting of the session, CMO Manipur sources said.
Their attendance, the sources said, comes after a hiatus of three and a half years, during which representatives from the community had not physically participated in person in the House proceedings.
“I am happy to come back to attend Assembly after a long time,” MLA Kipgen said, as he entered the House.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen attended the session in virtual mode.
Welcoming the move, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh, termed the physical attendance of the legislators in the state Assembly as a positive step toward fostering unity and peace in the state.
“This is a good sign from people’s representatives, and it is a welcome step. With collective efforts, Manipur can strive to walk the path to peace,” the Chief Minister said.
Singh attributed the development to the state government’s persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities.
He further reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.
It may be recalled that following the formation of the new BJP government under the leadership of chief minister Khemchand Singh on February 4 this year, the Kuki-Zo MLAs had participated in previous Assembly sittings through virtual mode.
Historic return: kuki-zo mlas physically attend manipur assembly session after over 3-year hiatus
