Imphal, September 2: For the first time in over three years, two legislators from the Kukizho community attended the Manipur Assembly session in person on Wednesday.
The eighth session of the 12th Manipur Assembly commenced in Imphal, marking the first participation of legislators from the hill regions associated with the Kukizho community since ethnic violence erupted in the state on May 3, 2023.
Legislators Haokholet Kipgen from the Saithou constituency and Kimneo Haokip Hengshing from the Saikul constituency were present during the first meeting of the session. Their attendance is significant, as representatives from the Kukizho community had refrained from participating in Assembly proceedings in Imphal during the past three years.
Upon entering the Assembly, Haokholet Kipgen expressed his happiness at being back after such a long absence. However, Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen participated in the session virtually.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh welcomed this development, describing it as a positive step towards promoting unity and peace in the state. He stated, “This is a good sign from the public representatives and a welcome move.”
Khemchand Singh emphasized that collective efforts from all sections of society could help Manipur progress towards peace and reconciliation. He credited the state government’s ongoing efforts to build trust among various communities and resolve issues.
The Chief Minister reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusive dialogue, reconciliation, and restoring lasting peace and normalcy in the violence-affected state.
It is noteworthy that since the formation of the new BJP government led by Chief Minister Khemchand Singh on February 4, 2026, some Kukizho legislators had participated in previous Assembly meetings virtually.
Meanwhile, the Kukizho community’s apex body, Kukizho Inpi Manipur (KIM), issued directives on August 31, instructing all Kukizho legislators not to travel to Imphal for the eighth session of the Manipur Assembly until a political solution regarding their demand for separate administration is reached.
KIM clarified in a statement that the participation of Kukizho legislators in the Assembly would only occur when fundamental political questions concerning the future of the Kukizho people remain unresolved. They emphasized that the demand for a separate political administration cannot be sidelined as normal legislative proceedings resume, as if the ongoing political crisis has already been resolved.
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