The 13-day session of the Manipur Assembly commenced on Wednesday, setting the stage for intense debates. Opposition Congress is expected to raise significant concerns over the recent violence in the Jiribam district.
The assembly session, which will run until August 12, is expected to be contentious, with Congress sources indicating plans to address the Jiribam violence and other pressing issues affecting the state in recent months.
A key highlight of the session will be the presentation of the State Budget on Wednesday afternoon. The budget is anticipated to include special provisions for the victims of recent violence.
The unrest in Jiribam escalated on June 6, 2024, following the recovery of the body of 59-year-old farmer Soibam Saratkumar Singh.
The incident triggered widespread violence, forcing around 900 tribals from the Kuki and Hmar communities to seek refuge in Assam’s Cachar district.
Previously, 10 tribal MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community have boycotted the Assembly sessions twice, demanding a separate administration or Union Territory for tribals in Manipur.
Despite Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's efforts to persuade these MLAs to attend, BJP’s Paolienlal Haokip, representing the Saikot Assembly constituency in the tribal-dominated Churachandpur district, has confirmed their continued boycott.
“When my people can’t set foot in Imphal, how can I attend an Assembly held in the state capital,” remarked Haokip, underscoring the deep-seated tensions and grievances of the tribal communities.
As the session unfolds, the focus will remain on the discussions around the violence in Jiribam and the broader implications for peace and governance in Manipur.
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