The seventh session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly resumed on Monday after being adjourned sine die on February 5. The session opened with obituary speeches honoring notable figures, including former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and several former Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from Manipur. Notably, six of the nine Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs participated in the budget session through video conferencing, with attendance displayed on a TV screen in the Assembly. The participating MLAs included Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen and several representatives from various districts. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh remarked that the participation of Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs marked a positive step towards the normalization of the state’s current situation, while Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh welcomed their involvement. The Speaker also noted that a previous session allowed three of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs to participate via video conference during a recent trust vote. Additionally, one MLA, Letpao Haokip, was granted leave for medical reasons. Preparations for video participation were made at various locations, including NIC Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, to facilitate the Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs’ attendance. During the debate on the obituary for the deceased notables, MLA LM Khaute expressed his condolences and paid tribute, highlighting the significance of the session and the involvement of MLAs despite the challenges faced by the community.
Imphal