Imphal, Aug 29: Manipur is poised to hold its first assembly session today, marking a significant moment in its quest for peace and stability following several months of ethnic violence. The session is expected to address the ongoing violence that has plagued the state for nearly four months.
Here are the key highlights of this pivotal development:
- Long-Awaited Session: The Manipur assembly last convened during the budget session in February-March. However, escalating clashes on May 3 postponed the monsoon session, making today’s assembly meeting highly anticipated.
- Discussion on the Current Situation: Manipur Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh has confirmed that the state’s present situation will be a focal point of discussion during this one-day assembly session.
- Community Divide: The Kuki-Zomi tribal bodies have expressed their rejection of the one-day session. Consequently, 10 Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) from this community are expected to skip the session. They argue that it would be unsafe for legislators to travel to the Meitei-dominated Imphal Valley, where the assembly is situated. However, Naga MLAs are likely to attend.
- Appeal for Postponement: The Kuki-Zomi society had appealed to the Governor to postpone the assembly session. Nevertheless, the government declined any special favor, with Manipur minister Sapam Ranjan Singh stating that there cannot be a separate administration, reaffirming the government’s stance.
- Resolution on Ethnic Crisis: State BJP sources have indicated that several resolutions addressing the ongoing ethnic crisis may be adopted during the session. In contrast, tribal bodies have asserted that no resolution passed by the assembly will be binding in Kuki areas. The Congress party has also voiced concerns, contending that this one-day session is not in the public interest.
- Demand for Reconvening: Reassembling the assembly had been a significant demand from Meitei civil society groups and Opposition parties. According to Article 174 of the Constitution, an assembly session must be convened within six months of its last sitting.
- Session Postponement: Initially, the government proposed a session by August 21. However, it was subsequently rescheduled to August 28 when the Raj Bhavan did not provide approval. Last week, the Chief Minister’s Office officially announced that the assembly would reconvene on August 29.
- Assurance of Control: Union Minister of State for the Development of the North Eastern Region, B L Verma, stated on Monday that the situation in Manipur is “firmly under control.” This assurance comes as the state grapples with the aftermath of violence.
- Recent Unrest: Just two days before the assembly session, an incident of arson occurred in the state capital, Imphal, where a mob set fire to three abandoned houses. Additionally, early Sunday morning in Imphal West district, unidentified individuals snatched weapons from security personnel.
- Roots of Violence: The violence in Manipur stems from tensions between the Kuki tribe and the Meiteis. It primarily revolves around the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. Tragically, this conflict has resulted in the loss of at least 170 lives and the internal displacement of thousands.
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As Manipur’s assembly session reconvenes after a prolonged hiatus, it represents a crucial step towards resolving the state’s persistent ethnic conflict. The discussions and resolutions that emerge from this session will likely shape the path forward for a region that has long yearned for peace and stability.
