One-day Manipur Assembly session on Tuesday, Kuki MLAs likely to skip

Manipur Assembly holds session to discuss ethnic strife; Kuki MLAs skip due to safety concerns; 160+ dead, hundreds injured in clashes since May 3; session called eyewash by former CM.

The crucial one-day session of the Manipur Assembly on Tuesday is likely to hold a discussion on the state's prevailing situation of ethnic strife, although most of the Kuki MLAs, regardless of party affiliations, are likely to skip the session over safety concerns.

Six of the ten MLAs from Kuki-dominated areas have already sought leave of absence from the speaker of the assembly.

Five legislators had applied for their leave to the speaker on Monday, while Social Welfare and Cooperation Minister Nemcha Kipgen, MLA of Kangpokpi, had sent her application on Saturday, an official said.

The MLAs who sought leave on Monday are Tribal and Hill Affairs Minister Letpao Haokip (Tengnoupal), Churachandpur MLA Khaute, Kimneo Hangshing of Saikul, Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu and Henglep legislator Letzamang Haokip.

The social welfare and cooperation minister, in her application, said that ever since ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3, it has not been possible for her and her family members to stay in Imphal on security grounds.

"Due to the ongoing violent crisis and keeping in mind the law and order situation in Imphal, I will not be able to attend the upcoming one day session," she said.

After obituary references, committee reports will be presented and other businesses of the House will be held, the official said.