Imphal, March 9 (NationPress) In a significant development, six of the nine Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs participated in the state Legislative Assembly's budget session via virtual means for the first time since the ethnic clashes erupted in Manipur in May 2023.

A large TV screen within the Assembly showcased the live attendance of these six tribal MLAs during the proceedings.

The Kuki-Zo-Hmar representatives attending the session's inaugural day included Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, Letzamang Haokip, Ngursanglur Sanate, Kimneo Haokip Hansing, and Haokholet Kipgen.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, who leads the House, expressed that the involvement of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs in the Assembly session is a hopeful stride towards stabilizing the current circumstances in Manipur.

He remarked that this is a commendable start and urged everyone to support such initiatives. The State Assembly Speaker, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, echoed this sentiment, stating that the presence of the six Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs on the session's first day was a noteworthy advancement.

During the trust vote for Chief Minister Khemchand Singh on February 5, three Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs—Nemcha Kipgen, L.M. Khaute, and Ngursanglur Sanate—also took part through video conferencing.

It was later communicated that Letpao Haokip had requested a leave of absence for the budget session due to health issues, which the House unanimously approved.

Meanwhile, official sources revealed that the state government had previously arranged extensive measures for the Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs to join the budget session via video conferencing.

Facilities were set up by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Kangpokpi and Churachandpur, as well as at Manipur Bhawans located in Guwahati and New Delhi, to enable the participation of the tribal MLAs in this crucial Assembly meeting.

During the discussion on the obituary reference for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Manipur Governor La Ganesan, and ten former MLAs, L.M. Khaute, representing the tribal-majority Churachandpur district, mentioned that he was addressing the House via video link.

He honored the memory of the deceased leaders, stating that Vungzagin Valte had tragically passed away and had contributed significantly to the development of his Thanlon constituency.

During the session, Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh proposed a resolution conveying heartfelt condolences over the passing of the leaders.

The House adopted this resolution to express their grief and observed two minutes of silence to honor the departed souls.

In the obituary reference, former Chief Minister and senior Congress MLA O. Ibobi Singh also conveyed his sympathies regarding the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, La Ganesan, and others.

He expressed profound sorrow over the loss of leaders who had made notable impacts in their respective domains.

As per Assembly sources, the budget session is set to continue until March 17, encompassing a total of seven sittings.

Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh is anticipated to present the state budget for the financial year 2026–27 during the ongoing Assembly session.