Manipur Assembly Reconvenes After 18 Months, Government Secures Confidence Vote
The Manipur Legislative Assembly in Imphal held its first session in over one and a half years on Thursday, marking a significant political development in the strife-torn state. The newly formed government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, successfully passed a crucial floor test, securing a vote of confidence through a voice vote without any objections.
Absence of Kuki-Zo MLAs and Virtual Participation
Notably, none of the ten Kuki-Zo MLAs, including seven from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), were physically present in the Assembly hall during the session. This absence underscores the deep ethnic divisions that have persisted since the conflict erupted in May 2023. However, three Kuki-Zo MLAs—Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, LM Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate—briefly joined the proceedings virtually.
Chief Minister Khemchand sought and received permission from Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh for their virtual participation, citing the prevailing law and order situation in the state. This move highlights the ongoing challenges in governance amid the ethnic tensions.
Government Formation and Swearing-In Details
The floor test followed the swearing-in of the new government on Wednesday, where Khemchand, along with his two deputies—Nemcha Kipgen and Naga People’s Front MLA Losii Dikho—and two other ministers, took oath. Kipgen attended her swearing-in virtually from New Delhi, while Khaute and Sanate had earlier accompanied Khemchand to stake claim to form the government, marking their first physical presence in Imphal since the conflict began.
Opposition Support and Calls for Peace
During the Assembly session, Congress MLA and former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh participated in the discussion on the Motion of Confidence. He urged the government to prioritize finding a solution to the conflict and achieving lasting peace, assuring that the Opposition would support such efforts. This bipartisan appeal reflects the broader desire for stability in Manipur.
Violent Protests in Churachandpur District
Meanwhile, the participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs in the government formation triggered violent protests in the Kuki-Zo majority Churachandpur district. The Kuki-Zo Council, an influential civil society body, had earlier announced a social boycott of these MLAs, denouncing their alignment with what they termed a Meitei-dominated government. The council accused the MLAs of betraying their community and disregarding the sacrifices made during the conflict.
Other groups, including the Kuki Students’ Organisation and the Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights, called for a 24-hour shutdown and a mass rally in Churachandpur. The situation escalated on Thursday evening when protesters clashed with police and security forces, pelting stones and burning tyres. Officials reported that the situation remained volatile as of 8:30 PM, highlighting the ongoing unrest.
Background and Demands of Kuki-Zo Groups
The protests stem from a meeting held last month, where Kuki-Zo insurgent groups and MLAs outlined prerequisites for their participation in a new government. These included a written political commitment from the state and central governments for a separate Union Territory for Kuki-Zo majority areas. The Kuki-Zo Council’s statement emphasized that the MLAs’ involvement in the government was seen as a betrayal, urging the community to sever ties until they realign with collective demands.
This development underscores the complex ethnic faultlines in Manipur, with the government now tasked with navigating these challenges while striving for peace and governance. The absence of Kuki-Zo MLAs from the Assembly and the violent backlash in Churachandpur signal that the path to reconciliation remains fraught with obstacles.
