Three MLAs from strife-torn Manipur belonging to the Kuki-Zo community have been replaced as chairpersons of Assembly committees.

Of the three MLAs who were replaced, one is an Independent supporting the BJP-led government while the two others are from the ruling BJP.

Though no reason has been assigned in the Assembly bulletins issued on Wednesday announcing the fresh appointments, all the 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs, seven of whom are from the ruling BJP, have stayed away from Imphal, the state capital where the Assembly is located, for security reasons soon after clashes broke out between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos on May 3.

They also skipped the day-long Assembly session convened on August 29 because of security reasons.

K. Meghajit Singh, secretary of the Manipur Assembly, said in the Assembly bulletin issued on Wednesday: “The Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, is pleased to appoint Mayanglambam Rameshwar Singh (BJP) as Chairman of Committee on Public Undertakings in place of its previous Chairman."

The Kakching MLA replaces Churachandpur BJP MLA L.M. Khaute.

In another bulletin, Meghajit Singh said Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh has appointed Mao MLA Losii Dikho (Naga People’s Front) as chairman of the committee on government assurances, replacing four-time Saitu MLA Haokholet Kipgen (Independent). Lamlai MLA Khongbantabam Ibomcha of the BJP has taken over as chairman of the Assembly library committee, replacing party colleague Vungzagin Valte, the Thanlon MLA.

The 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs had sought a separate administration on May 12 because the state government had “failed” to protect the Kuki-Zo communities in the valley.