27 June 2023, Mumbai: Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal announced that Rahul Gandhi, former president of the party, will embark on a two-day visit to the violence-hit state of Manipur, starting from June 29 (Thursday). The visit comes in response to the ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities, which have claimed over 100 lives and displaced around 50,000 people across the state. Rahul Gandhi plans to visit relief camps and engage with members of civil society in the capital city of Imphal and Churachandrapur.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi aims to provide a healing touch to Manipur, which has been engulfed in conflict for nearly two months. The Congress leader intends to assess the situation firsthand by visiting the relief camps and holding discussions with representatives from civil society. The focus will be on understanding the plight of the affected communities and exploring avenues to transition from conflict to peace. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Gandhi emphasizes the need for a compassionate approach and urges society to unite in love rather than hate.
The violent clashes erupted on May 3 following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts of Manipur. The march aimed to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The tensions arising from this demand have led to a prolonged period of violence, further exacerbating the humanitarian tragedy in the region. Rahul Gandhi’s visit seeks to address these deep-rooted issues and facilitate a path towards reconciliation and stability.
The visit of Rahul Gandhi holds significant importance for Manipur, a state ravaged by violence and displacement. By engaging with the affected population and listening to their concerns, the Congress leader aims to convey a message of solidarity and support. The focus on relief camps underscores the need to address the immediate needs of the displaced individuals and provide them with the necessary assistance and resources. Through these interactions, Gandhi hopes to instill hope and resilience in the people of Manipur, assuring them that they are not alone in their struggle.
As Manipur grapples with the aftermath of the violence, Rahul Gandhi’s visit serves as a reminder of the responsibility that political leaders bear towards their fellow citizens. By emphasizing the importance of peace and understanding, the Congress leader aims to contribute to the healing process and foster a sense of unity among diverse communities. The visit signals the commitment of the Congress party to stand by the people of Manipur during this challenging time, offering them a ray of hope and the promise of a brighter, more harmonious future.
Article by PRITESH PATEL