Congress leader Rahul Gandhi recently visited Manipur to meet people affected by ethnic violence in the Churachandpur district. However, his convoy was stopped by the police, causing a delay in his arrival. Despite facing obstacles, Gandhi interacted with the displaced people at a relief camp and shared lunch with the children. Unfortunately, his visit to Moirang was canceled as the administration did not grant permission. The incident sparked protests, with locals expressing their disappointment and accusing the government of blocking Gandhi’s visit.
Manipur has been witnessing ethnic clashes since May 3, leading to numerous displacements and a strained situation in the state. Rahul Gandhi’s visit aimed to assess the situation, provide support, and hold talks with civil society organizations.
Gandhi’s Visit to Churachandpur:
After a delayed arrival due to police interference, Rahul Gandhi reached Churachandpur and visited a relief camp, where he interacted with the affected people. The Congress leader expressed his concerns and offered a healing touch to those affected by the violence. Sharing a meal with children at a relief camp, Gandhi aimed to show solidarity and empathy toward their plight.
Denied Permission for Moirang Visit:
Despite plans to visit Moirang in Bishnupur district, Rahul Gandhi’s visit was canceled as the administration did not grant permission. Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra confirmed the cancellation, stating that Gandhi would return to Imphal and stay overnight. It remained uncertain whether he would be able to continue his scheduled visits the following day.
Obstacles Faced and Public Reaction:
As Rahul Gandhi’s convoy passed through Bishnupur, locals expressed their disappointment at the denial of permission and clashed with the police barricades. The police resorted to using tear gas to disperse the agitated crowd. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal expressed confusion and dissatisfaction regarding the police’s actions, emphasizing that Gandhi’s visit was solely meant to meet the affected people.
Mallikarjun Kharge’s Response:
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the incident, accusing the Manipur government of using “autocratic methods” to prevent Rahul Gandhi’s visit. He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the situation in Manipur and alleged that the state was left to fend for itself. Kharge described the government’s actions as unacceptable, asserting that Manipur needed peace rather than confrontation.
Future Plans and Objectives:
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi intended to meet people displaced by the ethnic clashes, visit relief camps, and engage in discussions with civil society organizations. Although his visit to Moirang was canceled, he planned to visit more relief camps in Imphal and meet with important individuals in the region.
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur aimed to assess the situation, provide support to those affected by the violence, and engage with civil society organizations. Despite facing hurdles and being denied permission for a planned visit to Moirang, Gandhi’s interactions with the violence-affected people in Churachandpur showcased his commitment to understanding and addressing their concerns. The incident sparked public protests and drew criticism from Congress leaders who accused the Manipur government of obstructing a compassionate outreach effort.