Kuki-Zo MLAs attend Manipur Assembly in person for first time since 2023

Two Kuki-Zo community legislators, Haokholet Kipgen and Kimneo Haokip Hangshing, physically attended a session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in Imphal on Wednesday. This marks the first time representatives from the Kuki-Zo community have been physically present in the House since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.

Previously, Kuki-Zo MLAs had participated in Assembly proceedings via virtual mode. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh described the attendance as a “positive step towards fostering unity and peace in the state,” attributing the development to government efforts to reduce the trust deficit between communities.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has resulted in over 250 deaths and the displacement of approximately 60,000 people. While Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen attended the session virtually, the physical presence of the two MLAs is being viewed as a move toward reconciliation and normalcy.