Two Kuki-Zo MLAs return to Assembly after three-year gap

Two Kuki-Zo MLAs on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) attended a session of the 60-member Manipur Assembly in person, a first for any legislator from the community since the ethnic conflict in the State that erupted on May 3, 2023.

While MLAs Haokholet Kipgen and Kimneo Haokip Hangshing attended the first sitting of the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly physically, Deputy Chief Nemcha Kipgen attended virtually. “I am happy to attend a session of the Assembly after a long time,” Mr.

Kipgen said after entering the House. Welcoming the duo, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh said their presence in the Assembly was a positive step toward fostering unity and peace in the State collectively. “This is a good sign from people’s representatives, and a welcome step,” he said.

The Chief Minister attributed this development to the State government’s persistent efforts to address and reduce the trust deficit among various communities. He reiterated his government’s commitment to inclusive dialogue and reconciliation.

Some Kuki-Zo MLAs had participated in the previous Assembly session virtually after Mr. Singh became the Chief Minister in February. Ten Kuki-Zo MLAs were elected to the Manipur Assembly in 2022. One of them, Vungzagin Valte, died a few months ago after prolonged illness from injuries sustained during a mob attack in Imphal when the ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities broke out in 2023.

More than 260 people were killed, and an estimated 62,000 others were displaced during the violence. Another conflict between the Kukis and Nagas since February has also claimed several lives.