Guwahati: Defying a call by a Kuki-Zo apex body to stay away from the Manipur assembly, two Kuki MLAs on Tuesday travelled to Imphal and attended the session in person for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in the state more than three years ago.While Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing of the Kuki Peoples’ Alliance (KPA) and independent legislator Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu constituency, both in Kangpokpi district, were physically present on the first day of the session, a third member from the community, deputy CM Nemcha Kipgen, who is from BJP, attended the session virtually. Five remaining BJP Kuki-Zo MLAs abstained.The house has nine Kuki-Zo legislators, six from BJP, two from KPA and one Independent.Six Kuki-Zo MLAs had attended the assembly’s budget session virtually in Feb.CM Y Khemchand Singh termed the participation a “positive step” towards peace and unity, attributing it to the govt’s efforts to reduce the trust deficit among communities. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.“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,” he said.Singh attributed the development to the state govt’s persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities. He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.Earlier, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kukis, had directed all MLAs from the community not to travel to Meitei-majority Imphal to attend the assembly session scheduled to begin on Wednesday, pending a political settlement on the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration.
