Manipur Government Secures Confidence Vote in Assembly Session
The newly reinstated Manipur government, led by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand, successfully won the confidence of the Manipur legislative assembly on Thursday. The motion, moved by the chief minister himself, was approved through a voice vote, solidifying the administration's mandate to govern the northeastern state.
Virtual Participation Amid Community Tensions
Amid ongoing opposition from Kuki-Zo groups to their elected representatives participating in government formation, three Kuki-Zo Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) attended the 7th session of the 12th Manipur assembly virtually. This included Nemcha Kipgen, who was sworn in as a deputy chief minister just a day earlier on Wednesday.
The other two MLAs, LM Khaute and Ngursanglur Sanate, had physically attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new chief minister and his council of ministers on Wednesday. However, they opted to join Thursday's crucial assembly session through virtual means, highlighting the sensitive political and social landscape.
Historical Context of Boycotts and Demands
This virtual participation marks a significant shift, as the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs had previously skipped three consecutive assembly sessions. Their absence began after violent clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities in the state. During this period, the Kuki-Zo community has been actively pushing for a separate administration, citing concerns over representation and security.
Assembly Approves Virtual Attendance Precedent
During Thursday's session, Speaker Th Satyabrata formally approved a proposal to allow members unable to be physically present at the assembly to attend virtually. This decision came after MLAs accepted Chief Minister Khemchand's motion, which cited a precedent set by the Madhya Pradesh assembly. The move facilitated the inclusion of the Kuki-Zo MLAs in the democratic process despite geographical and logistical challenges.
Call for Unity and Peaceful Cooperation
In his address, Chief Minister Khemchand appealed to all MLAs to work collectively towards bridging the trust deficit between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. He emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and harmony in Manipur, which has been marred by recent violence.
"Manipur has witnessed episodes of violence in the past, including in the 1990s, and we must learn from history rather than blame one another," Khemchand stated, urging a forward-looking approach to conflict resolution.
The chief minister also expressed appreciation for the opposition Congress MLAs, who publicly stated their readiness to extend full cooperation to the government. This bipartisan support is seen as crucial for instilling a peaceful atmosphere and addressing the deep-rooted issues facing the state.
As Manipur navigates these complex socio-political dynamics, the confidence vote and virtual participation of Kuki-Zo MLAs represent a tentative step towards inclusive governance and dialogue.
