Assembly Session Proceeds Without Kuki-Zo MLAs
The 13-day Manipur Assembly session commenced on Wednesday, marked by the absence of ten Kuki-Zo MLAs. This marks the third consecutive session they have missed due to security concerns stemming from the ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities that erupted in May last year.
Paoilienlal Haokip, a first-time BJP Kuki-Zo MLA, expressed the community’s sentiment to The Telegraph: “Until the weakest of my people feel safe, I am not safe to attend the Assembly.” He highlighted the prevailing insecurity among the Kuki-Zo people in Imphal, stating that their primary concern remains the safety of their community members, particularly women and children.
Despite Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s attempts to personally invite the MLAs, they have decided to skip the session. Singh had earlier stated his willingness to extend personal invitations to the Kuki-Zo MLAs, but the lack of security assurances has kept them away. Seven of these MLAs belong to the ruling BJP, two to the KPA, and one is an Independent.
Conflict’s Impact and MLA Stance
The conflict has significantly impacted areas like Imphal, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and Tengnoupal, resulting in over 229 deaths and displacing more than 60,000 people. The ongoing unrest has created a deeply polarized environment where neither community feels safe in the other’s territory, even with heavy deployment of central forces.
In response to the chief minister’s invitation, Haokip remarked: “It is not the job of a CM to personally invite legislators to the Assembly session. It is also not the job of a CM to ask MLAs to evacuate people belonging to their community from the capital when ethnic riots break out.”
CM’s Budget Presentation
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh presented the state budget for 2024-25 in the Assembly, expressing his gratitude for the people’s support during these challenging times. In his 18-page budget speech, Singh condemned the violence and loss of lives and called for a collective effort to restore trust between communities. He also outlined the economic impact of the unrest and detailed the assistance provided by the Centre, including ₹500 crores for revenue losses.
Opposition’s Critique
In the Lok Sabha, Congress MP Alfred KS Arthur criticized the BJP-led Centre’s handling of the Manipur conflict, questioning why the chief minister had not been replaced to facilitate peace in the state.
The Manipur Assembly session continues amidst a backdrop of ethnic tension and security concerns, reflecting the ongoing challenges in achieving peace and stability in the region.
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