Kuki MLAs attend Manipur Assembly in Imphal for first time since ethnic violence began

Two Kuki MLAs on Wednesday attended the Manipur Assembly session in Imphal in person for the first time since ethnic violence broke out in the state in May 2023, officials said.

Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing of the Kuki Peoples' Alliance (KPA) and Independent MLA Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu attended the opening day of the session. Both legislators are from Kangpokpi district.

Their presence in the state capital came despite a call from the Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kukis, asking community legislators not to travel to Imphal for the session until a political settlement is reached on the Kuki-Zo demand for a separate administration.

The two MLAs were among the nine Kuki, Zomi and Hmar legislators in the 60-member Assembly.

The attendance also marks a departure from the arrangement followed during the Budget session in February, when six Kuki-Zo MLAs participated virtually instead of travelling to Imphal.

The Kuki legislators have largely stayed away from the Meitei-majority state capital since the violence erupted, as the two communities remain divided geographically and politically.

The Kuki-Zo community has been demanding a separate administration for the hill areas, while the Manipur government and Meitei groups have opposed any move that could further divide the state.

The ethnic conflict between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and Kukis in the adjoining hill districts has killed more than 260 people and displaced thousands since May 2023.

The violence also forced large numbers of people from both communities to leave their homes, with the state remaining sharply divided along ethnic lines.

The return of Kuki legislators to the Assembly in person comes amid continuing efforts to restore political engagement and normal functioning of state institutions.