Manipur’s crucial session today; Kuki MLAs may skip.
The state of Manipur is set to conduct a crucial one-day assembly session on Tuesday, August 29. This session holds significant importance as it will be the first assembly meeting since the outbreak of ethnic clashes on May 3, resulting in the death of over 160 individuals and causing numerous injuries. The previous assembly session in Manipur was held in March, with a norm dictating that sessions should occur every six months.
Here is a concise guide to the Manipur Assembly session:
Six out of ten legislators representing Kuki-dominated regions have already requested leave of absence from the assembly speaker, as reported by PTI.
Initially, the government proposed an assembly session by August 21, later revising the date to August 28 after not receiving approval from the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence). Eventually, the Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that the assembly would reconvene on August 29.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) and the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) recently criticized the session’s organization, claiming that the current situation is not conducive for Kuki-Zo legislators to attend.
In a joint statement, both organizations denounced the session, citing the breakdown of law and order, and the government’s failure to safeguard lives. They argued that convening the session lacked logical reasoning.
Former Manipur Chief Minister and Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh stated that the assembly session is merely a superficial action and not in the public’s interest.
Okram Ibobi Singh highlighted that the session’s agenda would primarily involve obituary references. He noted that, traditionally, on such occasions, other matters are not discussed.
Singh, as a committee member, suggested that the session should be extended to at least five days to address the unprecedented situation in the state. He emphasized that the opposition’s small size is not meant for criticizing the government but for discussing public concerns.
Union Minister B L Verma asserted that the situation in Manipur is firmly under control.
Minister Verma, responsible for the Development of the Northeastern Region, emphasized that the region has generally experienced peace since 2014, apart from incidents in Manipur.
The ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur on May 3, resulting from a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The clashes caused the loss of more than 160 lives and numerous injuries.
In conclusion, the upcoming Manipur Assembly session holds significance as it addresses the aftermath of ethnic clashes and ensuing concerns. The debate around convening the session reflects the complexities of the situation and diverse viewpoints within the state.