Two ministers, 8 other Manipur MLAs rule out attending session

Ten Kuki-Zomi-Hmar MLAs of Manipur are likely to skip the August 29 assembly session.

There are two ministers from this community in the council of ministers. While Letpao Haokip is Tribal Affairs and Hills Minister Nemcha Kipgen is industry minister. The homes of Letpao Haokip and Nemcha Kipgen were burnt to ashes during the ethnic strife that broke out on May 3.

Kipgen had sought leave from the assembly session on August 29 citing law and order issues.


BJP MLA Kipgen is among the 10 Kuki MLAs seeking separate administration for the tribals.

In a letter to the Speaker, she said: " I would like to state that ever since the ethnic violence erupted in Manipur since May 3, 2023, it has not been possible for me and my family members to stay at Imphal on grounds of safety and security, Due to the ongoing violent crisis and keeping in mind the law and order situation in Imphal. I would not be able to attend the upcoming One-Day Session."

Senior tribal leader and spokesman of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF), Ginza Vualzong, earlier had said that tribal ministers, MLAs, as well as the general public are scared of visiting the Meitei-dominated state capital of Imphal.

Former chief minister and Congress leader O Ibobi Singh stated on X, "As a member of the Business Advisory Committee, I have suggested convening at least 5-day sitting in the 4th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly but BJP refused to do so. Hence, I have given a dissent letter in the interest of public service."