New Delhi, June 29 : Imphal Welcomes Congress Leader as he Engages with Relief Camps and Civil Society Representatives. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, on Thursday for a significant two-day visit to the state marred by violence. He was warmly received at the Imphal airport by former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and President of Manipur Pradesh Congress Keisham Meghachandra Singh. Departing from Delhi, Rahul Gandhi’s visit aims to address the pressing issues and concerns faced by the affected communities in Manipur.
During his stay on June 29 and 30, the Congress leader is scheduled to visit relief camps and engage in meaningful interactions with civil society representatives in both Imphal and Churachandpur. Rahul Gandhi’s visit holds particular significance as he aims to meet and support those displaced by the recent ethnic clashes that erupted in the state on May 3. The clashes originated from a rally organized by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU), which protested against the demand for the inclusion of Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
Expressing his thoughts on the visit, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal highlighted the importance of Rahul Gandhi’s presence in Manipur, stating that he will personally visit relief camps and engage with civil society representatives. Venugopal emphasized the urgent need for healing and peace, as Manipur has been gripped by the flames of conflict for nearly two months. He added that this humanitarian tragedy calls for unity and compassion rather than division and animosity.
Kh Debabrata, Working President MPCC, further shed light on the visit, mentioning that Rahul Gandhi will visit Churachandpur to meet those residing in relief camps and spend time with affected families. Additionally, he will visit Moirang to engage with more affected families and Civil Society Organizations. The Congress leader also has plans to meet important individuals in Imphal and visit two additional relief camps.
The Congress party has been actively vocal about the situation in Manipur since the outbreak of violence in the BJP-ruled state. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi expressed her concern, acknowledging the deep wounds inflicted upon the people of Manipur, and called for peace and harmony to be restored.
AICC Incharge North East Ajoy Kumar highlighted the prevailing law and order failure in the state and praised Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party for consistently raising the issues faced by Manipur. Kumar stressed the importance of informing the nation about the situation in Manipur and urged the government to address the concerns raised during this visit.
The BJP has faced criticism from the opposition and various quarters regarding the ongoing violence in Manipur. The Congress party has vehemently attacked both the BJP-led central government and the state government for their handling of the situation. The party has already demanded the removal of Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
In an attempt to restore peace, Home Minister Shah conducted an all-party meeting in Delhi on June 24, assuring the participants of the government’s commitment. However, opposition parties raised questions about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the matter during the all-party meeting concerning the violence in Manipur. The meeting witnessed the presence of BJP National President JP Nadda, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, CPI (M) MP John Brittas, and other prominent leaders.
