Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the violence-stricken state of Manipur to provide comfort and assurance to its residents. Addressing a press conference on Monday, he highlighted the severe ethnic violence that has plagued the state, resulting in over 200 fatalities since May last year.
Describing the situation in Manipur as a "tremendous tragedy," Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to engage directly with the affected communities. "The PM should have visited the state long back. It is important that he visit Manipur. I request him to come to Manipur and try and understand what is happening here. People of Manipur, probably people of the entire country, want the PM to visit the state and listen to the victims’ woes. It will comfort the people. Congress is ready to support anything that would improve the situation," he said, as quoted by news agency PTI.
During his visit to Manipur, Gandhi went to several relief camps housing those displaced by the ongoing conflict between the Meitei and Kuki communities. Expressing his disappointment, Gandhi remarked, "This is the third time I come here since the problem started. It has been a tremendous tragedy. I was expecting some improvement in the situation. But I was quite disappointed to see that the situation is still nowhere near where it should be."
His visit comes in following his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' which he commenced from Manipur in January 2024. This marks his first visit to the state since assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, following the Congress party's victory in both of Manipur's Lok Sabha seats.
Congress Party Is Ready To Do Whatever It Can To Bring Back Peace: Rahul Gandhi In Manipur
Emphasising his commitment to the people of Manipur, Gandhi stated, "I want to tell all the people of Manipur (that) I came here as your brother, as somebody who wants to help you, wants to work with you to bring back peace in Manipur. I am ready to do whatever I can, Congress party is ready to do whatever it can to bring back peace here."
Highlighting the unprecedented nature of the violence, Gandhi asserted, "The state is completely split in two and it is a tragedy for everybody involved. The entire state is suffering. If we start to think about peace and affection, it will be a very very big step for Manipur."
Rahul Gandhi Tells Manipur Governor He's 'Happy With The Progress' Made In Strife Resolution
The Lok Sabha LoP also met with Governor Anusuiya Uikey to discuss the situation, expressing the Congress party's willingness to assist in any way possible. "We expressed to the governor that we would like to help in whatever way we can. We also expressed our displeasure. We are not happy with the progress that has taken place here. I don’t want to politicise the issue, it is not my intention," he said.
Reiterating his message of unity and peace, Gandhi concluded, "Indian government and everybody who considers himself a patriot must embrace the people of Manipur."
Notably, he refrained from taking questions from the media, stating, "I am not ready to take questions that are designed to divert the issue."
When asked about his 'idea of Manipur', the Congress leader responded saying, "Manipur is one of the most beautiful states of the Indian Union."