Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has once again called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur, urging him to directly address the ongoing ethnic violence that has left the state in turmoil. Gandhi’s appeal comes amid continued unrest that has claimed more than 200 lives since the conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities erupted in May last year.
Gandhi, who has made multiple visits to the violence-hit state, emphasized the need for the Prime Minister to engage personally with the affected communities. “The Prime Minister should visit the state and listen to the woes of the people as it would give comfort to them,” Gandhi stated during a recent press conference. He underscored the importance of direct leadership in times of crisis, suggesting that Modi’s presence would bring reassurance to the distressed population.
The ethnic violence in Manipur has its roots in long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The conflict escalated in May 2023, leading to widespread violence, displacement, and loss of life. Over 200 people have been killed, and thousands more have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in relief camps set up across the state. The violence has disrupted normal life and has created a deep sense of fear and insecurity among the residents.
The Meitei community, which forms the majority in the state and is predominantly Hindu, has been at odds with the Kuki community, a tribal group with a significant Christian population. The clashes have been fueled by disputes over land rights, ethnic identity, and political representation. Despite efforts by the central and state governments to quell the violence, tensions remain high, and the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Rahul Gandhi has been a vocal advocate for peace in Manipur. His recent visit marks his third trip to the state since the violence began. During these visits, Gandhi has toured several relief camps, interacting with those displaced by the conflict. He has described the situation in the state as a “tremendous tragedy” and has called for urgent measures to restore peace and stability.
In his discussions with the victims, Gandhi highlighted the profound impact of the violence on their lives. Many of those he spoke with recounted stories of separation from loved ones, destruction of property, and the loss of livelihoods. Gandhi noted that the fear and insecurity in the state are so pervasive that many people are afraid to speak out, fearing potential retribution.
Gandhi’s engagement in Manipur has not been limited to his visits. He has also been active on social media, sharing his experiences and urging the central government to take more decisive action. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi reiterated his call for the Prime Minister to visit the state, emphasizing the need for compassion and direct involvement from the highest levels of government.
The Congress leader has also urged both the central and state governments to prioritize efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He stressed that the ongoing violence in Manipur is a national issue that requires immediate attention and action. Gandhi has assured that the Congress party is ready to support any initiative aimed at restoring peace in the state.
“The Congress will do everything it can to bring peace to Manipur,” Gandhi stated. He also highlighted the need for a collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders in the region to address the root causes of the conflict. Gandhi’s call for action is seen as part of a broader effort by the opposition to hold the government accountable for its handling of the crisis.
Rahul Gandhi’s renewed appeal to Prime Minister Modi to visit Manipur underscores the gravity of the situation in the state. The ongoing ethnic violence has not only caused significant loss of life but has also left deep scars on the social fabric of Manipur. Gandhi’s emphasis on the need for direct engagement from the Prime Minister highlights the importance of leadership in times of crisis. As the situation in Manipur continues to unfold, the need for a peaceful resolution becomes ever more urgent. Gandhi’s continued focus on the issue reflects his commitment to addressing the concerns of those affected and his determination to see peace restored in the troubled state.
