Kuki MLAs to skip assembly session
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 26 2023:
All ten Kuki MLAs from Manipur are set to skip the one-day session of the state's assembly on August 29 .
The ten Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs that also include two ministers in the state's cabinet have cited security concerns for their decision to skip the assembly session.
The two Manipur ministers belonging to the Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities are Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen.
Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) leader Ginza Vualzong said that all tribal people, including the ten Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs, are scared of visiting the Meitei-dominated Imphal "None of the Ministers, MLAs and leaders belonging to the Kuki, Zomi and other tribal communities are willing to visit Imphal due to security reasons," said ITLF leader Ginza Vualzong.
On her part Commerce & industries minister Nemcha Kipgen has sought leave from attending the Manipur Assembly Session scheduled to be held on August 29 .
In a letter sent to Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker Th Satyabrata on Thursday, minister Nemcha conveyed that since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, it has not been possible for her and her family to stay in Imphal due to safety and security reasons.
"Due to the ongoing violent crisis and keeping in mind the law-and-order situation in Imphal, I would not be able to attend the upcoming one-day Assembly session i.e., the 4th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly due on August 29 at 11 am" .
"I have also consulted with security professionals who strongly recommend that I exercise caution and refrain from attending the session due to the volatile law and order situation in Imphal, Manipur," she said, while adding, "I would, therefore, request you to please grant me leave from attending the Assembly Session on August 29' .
'The 10 Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs from Manipur have been demanding a "separate administration" for the Kukis residing in the hill districts of the state.
On the other hand, union home minister Amit Shah has asked the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an umbrella body of several valley-based organisations from Manipur, to initiate dialogues with "responsible Kuki leaders and groups" to restore peace in the strife-torn state.
(With inputs from Agencies) .