6 apply for leave; CoTU, ITLF seek deferment
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 28 2023: Notwithstanding the tight security arrangement being made by the Government for the one-day Assembly session scheduled on Tuesday, six of the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs who have been demanding a separate administration have submitted leave applications.

The six MLAs who have submitted leave applications citing law and order situation and health problems are Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen (Kangpokpi AC), Tribal Affairs & Hills Minister Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal AC), LM Khaute (Chura-chandpur AC), Kimneo Hangshing (Saikul AC), Letzamang Haokip (Henglep AC) and Haokholet Kipgen (Saitu AC) .

6 apply for leave; CoTU, ITLF seek deferment

While Nemcha Kipgen submitted her leave application to the Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker yesterday, Letpao Haokip and the other MLAs submitted their leave applications today.

While some of the MLAs cited law and order situation, and their insecurity to come to Imphal, the others cited health problems.

On the other hand, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills Kangpokpi, and Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) have urged Governor Anusuiya Uikey to defer the 4th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly summoned to be held on August 29 .

The two tribal Kuki-Zo bodies also conveyed that would not allow the ten Kuki-Zo elected representatives (Members of Legis- lative Assembly) to attend the one day session which is to be held on August 29 at 11 am nor any upcoming sessions in the future whe-ther in person/physical or through any other means including digital/video conferencing considering the present scenario.

Since the beginning of the ongoing violence in the State, CoTU and ITLF have been mobilizing resources through crowdfunding, donations, and contributions from individuals and philanthropic organizations for the internally displaced persons, airing the grievances of the Kuki-Zo community.

The two tribal Kuki-Zo bodies submitted a joint memorandum to Governor Anusuiya Uikey today through Deputy Commissioner, Kangpokpi to have a sympathetic look at the present situation and defer the State Legislative Assembly session.

Earlier, the CoTU and ITLF, considering the alleged complete breakdown of law and order and "unconducive situation" for the Kuki-Zo MLAs to attend the Assembly session, contended that convening the Assembly session at this moment is devoid of logic and rationality, and unacceptable.