After 3 years, 2 Kuki-Zo MLAs attend Manipur Assembly session in Imphal

Two Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the Manipur Assembly session in Imphal on Wednesday for the first time since the 2023 violence. Their return is being watched for signs of renewed political engagement amid unresolved conflict and rehabilitation issues.Two Kuki MLAs return to Manipur Assembly in person after over three yearsThe Manipur Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a significant development as two Kuki-Zo MLAs physically attended proceedings in Imphal for the first time since ethnic violence erupted in the state in May 2023.Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen entered the Assembly complex and attended the ongoing session at the Assembly Hall in Imphal.Their appearance marks the first known physical participation by Kuki-Zo legislators in an Assembly session in Imphal since the conflict broke out more than three years ago.The development comes against the backdrop of a prolonged ethnic conflict that has displaced thousands of people, destroyed homes and property and kept Kuki-Zo legislators largely away from the state Assembly. KUKI-ZO MLAs HAD STAYED AWAY SINCE 2023Since violence broke out in May 2023, Kuki-Zo MLAs have largely not attended Assembly proceedings in Imphal.Several legislators had maintained that the prevailing political and security situation did not allow them to participate in proceedings in the state capital. The presence of Hangshing and Kipgen therefore marks a notable shift, coming amid continuing efforts to restore political engagement and normalcy in Manipur.It was not immediately clear whether any other Kuki-Zo MLAs would attend the ongoing session.KUKI INPI HAD URGED MLAs TO STAY AWAYThe attendance of the two MLAs also comes despite an earlier appeal by the Kuki Inpi Manipur, the apex body of the Kuki community, asking Kuki-Zo legislators to stay away from Assembly proceedings.The appeal was made in solidarity with the community's demand for a separate political administration.The decision of the two MLAs to attend the session could therefore assume significance amid the continuing political differences over the future administrative and political arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community.MANIPUR STILL GRAPPLES WITH IMPACT OF 2023 VIOLENCEThe Assembly session is taking place as Manipur continues to deal with the political and humanitarian fallout of the violence that began in May 2023.Thousands of people were displaced from their homes, with a large number continuing to live in relief camps across the state. The conflict also resulted in widespread damage to homes and property.The return of the two Kuki-Zo legislators to the Assembly comes at a time when the state and Centre are working towards restoring peace, improving connectivity and addressing political concerns across communities.POLITICAL RECONCILIATION REMAINS A CHALLENGEFor those affected by the violence, the physical return of Kuki-Zo representatives to the Assembly carries significance beyond their attendance at the session.Questions over political reconciliation, rehabilitation of displaced people and a lasting resolution to the conflict remain unresolved.The participation of Hangshing and Kipgen is being closely watched as a possible sign of renewed political engagement, even as Manipur continues to grapple with the consequences of the ethnic conflict.The development also comes as the 8th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly gets underway in Imphal, with attention focused on whether more Kuki-Zo legislators will join the proceedings in the days ahead.- EndsWith inputs from Tapas SenguptaPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 22:37 IST