For first time since May 3, 2023, two Kuki-Zo MLAs attend Assembly
Kimneo, Haokholet make session more complete
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 02 2026: For the first time since the crisis began in Manipur on May 3, 2023, two Kuki MLAs attended the State Assembly session in person today, while two others participated virtually, as the 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly commenced.

The two Kuki MLAs who attended the session in person on the opening day were Saitu AC MLA Haokholet Kipgen and Saikul AC MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing.

Deputy Chief Minister and Kangpokpi AC MLA Nemcha Haokip and Henglep AC MLA Letzamang Haokip also attended the session virtually.

For first time since May 3, 2023, two Kuki-Zo MLAs attend Assembly

Their attendance comes despite an appeal by the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex Kuki civil body, urging all Kuki legislators to stay away from the Assembly session.

As he entered the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Haokholet Kipgen said he is happy to come back to attend Assembly after a long time.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh welcomed the move, describing it as a positive step towards fostering unity and peace in the State.

He termed the participation of the people's representatives a welcome development and said it was a good sign.

He added that Manipur can move towards peace through collective efforts.

The Chief Minister attributed the development to the State Government's persistent efforts to bridge the trust deficit among different communities.

He reiterated his Government's commitment to promoting inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.

Saikot AC MLA Paolienlal Haokip, however, had neither sought leave nor attended the Assembly session, either in person or virtually.

The 8th session of the State Assembly, which will continue till September 7, will have three sittings.

Four other Kuki MLAs, on the other hand, have taken leave for the entire session and they are Tipaimukh AC MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, Tengnoupal AC MLA Letpao Haokip, Churachandpur AC MLA LM Khaute and Singhat AC MLA Chinlunthang.

Following the demise of Thanlon AC MLA Vungzagin Valte, there are currently nine Kuki MLAs in the 60-member Assembly.

During the session, Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Th Satyabrata announced the names of the MLAs who had sought leave.

Notably, KIM had asked the Kuki-Zo MLAs to stay away from the State Assembly session .

In a statement issued yesterday, KIM said the resumption of legislative proceedings should not be treated as a return to normalcy, as the community's demand for a separate political administration remains unresolved.

It said Kuki-Zo MLAs must demonstrate solidarity with the community.

It warned that those who ignore the directive would be seen as moving away from the community's collective political position.

"At this critical juncture, the Kuki-Zo MLAs must stand firmly with their people.

Political representation cannot be divorced from the political will of the people," KIM said.