Kuki MLAs attend Manipur Assembly session for first time since ethnic strife eruption

Imphal: Kuki MLAs on Wednesday attended a session of the Manipur Assembly in Imphal for the first time since ethnic strife erupted in the state over three years ago, officials said.

Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing of Kuki Peoples' Alliance (KPA) and Independent legislator Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu seat attended the first day of the session, they said.

Both the MLAs are from Kangpokpi district.


Earlier, Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of the Kukis, 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.

In February, six Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the Budget session of the Manipur Assembly virtually.

Manipur currently has nine Kuki, Zomi and Hmar MLAs.

More than 260 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjoining hills-based Kukis since May 2023.