With the stage all set for the 5th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, security measures have been significantly heightened by the Manipur police and central forces amid the prevailing crisis in the region.
Meanwhile, MLA of Saitu constituency in Kangpokpi Haokholet Kipgen has reportedly sought a leave of absence from the session beginning Wednesday.
The session, scheduled to run until March 5, will span five working days, starting with the governor’s address, followed by obituary references, presentation of the Business Advisory Committee report, supplementary demands for grants 2023-24, and presentation of budget estimates for 2024.
To ensure the safety of the premises, a large deployment of state and central personnel has been stationed to guard the Assembly premises.
Additionally, traffic in and around the assembly areas has been diverted, and the police have enforced restrictions on processions and protests near the Assembly premises and its surroundings to prevent any untoward incidents.
According to sources familiar with the matter, among the 10 Kuki MLAs who are demanding separate administration, only MLA Haokholet Kipgen of Saitu AC has applied for leave from the Assembly session.
The last one-day Assembly session, held on August 29, 2023, amidst the ongoing crisis, was adjourned sine die just after 11 minutes of sitting, with only nine minutes dedicated to actual business, amid protests by opposition MLAs. Notably, none of the 10 Kuki MLAs were present during the session.
As the Assembly gears up for its upcoming session, all eyes are on how the proceedings will unfold amidst the backdrop of the simmering crisis, hoping that the session will be the key to curb the almost ten month long unrest in Manipur.
