The return of two Kuki-Zo legislators to the Manipur Assembly in Imphal has emerged as a notable political development amid continuing disputes over security, representation and the Centre’s decision to defer the Census exercise in the state.
Key Takeaways:
- Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen attended the Assembly session in Imphal.
- The Kuki-Zo Council criticised the Centre’s decision to defer the Census and demanded President’s Rule.
- The KZC also challenged allegations raised by nine Naga MLAs and called for equal accountability.
Two Kuki-Zo MLAs have attended the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly in Imphal, according to BJP Manipur. The party described their presence as a step towards dialogue, peace and harmony in the violence-hit state.
Saikul MLA Kimneo Haokip Hangshing and Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen are attending the eighth session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly.
8th SESSION OF 12th MANIPUR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY BEGINS AS KUKI-ZO MLAS MAKE HISTORIC PHYSICAL RETURN
Imphal, September 2: The 8th session of the 12thManipur Legislative Assembly commenced in todayImphal, marked by a significant development as legislators from the Kuki-Zo…
— CMO MANIPUR (@CMO_MANIPUR_) September 2, 2026
BJP Manipur said their attendance marks the first time since the ethnic violence began in May 2023 that Kuki-Zo MLAs have attended an Assembly session in Imphal.
The development comes against the backdrop of renewed political disagreements over the Census, security and competing claims of violence involving different communities.
Kuki-Zo Council Challenges Census Decision
The Kuki-Zo Council (KZC) has strongly opposed the Centre’s decision to defer the Census exercise in Manipur.
In a statement issued on September 1, the council questioned the decision-making process. It said the move followed a high-level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi.
According to the KZC, the meeting considered the demand for “No Census Before NRC” raised by 14 civil society organisations representing the Meitei and Naga communities.
The council said no Kuki-Zo organisation was part of that demand. It argued that the community’s concerns were therefore excluded from the process.
The KZC also questioned the presence of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh at the meeting. It alleged that his participation raised concerns about the impartiality of the deliberations.
The council said the Kuki-Zo community could not accept decisions affecting its future without its participation.
KZC Seeks President’s Rule
The KZC also criticised the state government’s handling of the security situation.
The council said it had expected the change of government to bring greater security and normalcy. Instead, it alleged that attacks and killings continued.
Based on those concerns, the KZC called for the reimposition of President’s Rule in Manipur.
The council said the Kuki-Zo community had felt safer under President’s Rule. It argued that the Centre should intervene if the state government could not adequately protect citizens.
The KZC also reiterated its demand for a political arrangement that it said would protect the Kuki-Zo community’s security, dignity, land and identity.
These positions reflect the council’s stated demands and were not independently established in the material available for this report.
KZC Rebuts Naga MLAs’ Appeal
In a separate statement, the KZC responded to a letter submitted by nine Naga MLAs from Manipur to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The MLAs had reportedly sought action against Kuki-Zo leaders over the killing of Naga civilians. They also called for normalcy and impartial action to address the consequences of the conflict.
The KZC challenged what it described as selective accountability.
The council claimed that more than 20 Kuki-Zo civilians had been killed since the beginning of 2026. It also alleged that more than 15 Kuki-Zo villages had been burnt in attacks involving Naga armed groups.
The statement named suspected cadres of NSCN-IM and ZUF (Kamson) in connection with the alleged attacks.
The allegations were made by the KZC and were not independently verified in the information provided.
Call for Equal Accountability
The KZC said calls for peace and normalcy must apply to all communities. It urged Naga leaders to address violence against Kuki-Zo civilians and take steps to prevent further attacks and arson.
The council said Kuki-Zo leaders had pursued peace and reconciliation. It also said they had sought an apology as a humanitarian step towards ending the cycle of violence and rebuilding trust.
The KZC criticised the alleged refusal of Naga leaders to acknowledge that initiative.
It maintained that violence and attacks on civilians could not establish lasting peace. Instead, it called for dialogue, restraint, accountability and reconciliation.
Assembly Attendance Adds Political Significance
The attendance of the two Kuki-Zo MLAs in Imphal places the Assembly session against a backdrop of wider political tensions.
BJP Manipur has presented their presence as a positive development for dialogue and reconciliation. At the same time, the KZC continues to press for greater political participation, stronger security guarantees and a separate political arrangement for the Kuki-Zo community.
The competing positions underline the complex political challenges facing Manipur as discussions continue over the Census, security and the future political framework of the state.
