Rahul Gandhi Visits Relief Camps In Manipur. Inmate Urges Him To 'Raise Their Plight' In Parliament, Congress Says

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, visited relief camps in Manipur to assess the ongoing situation following ethnic violence. He interacted with displaced individuals about their woes.

The Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited relief camps in Manipur's Jiribam and Churachandpur districts on Monday. The visit marks Gandhi's third trip to the violence-stricken northeastern state and first since assuming the post of Lok Sabha LoP. Accompanied by senior Congress leaders, Gandhi's visit comes after the Congress's resounding victory in both Lok Sabha seats in Manipur. The state has been ravaged by ethnic violence since May last year, resulting in over 200 deaths and displacing countless residents, who now seek refuge in these relief camps.

Gandhi began his tour at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, where he engaged with the displaced individuals. State Congress president Keisham Meghachandra, speaking to reporters, highlighted the interactions between Gandhi and the camp's residents. "Inmates shared their harrowing experiences and immediate needs with him," Meghachandra said, as quoted by news agency PTI.

He added that one young girl noted, "Neither the Prime Minister nor the Chief Minister has come to visit us. Please raise our issue in Parliament. She urged Gandhi to raise their plight in Parliament."

The visit witnessed an overwhelming response from the locals. "People came out in thousands to greet Gandhi in Jiribam, with many weeping while talking to him," added Meghachandra. From Jiribam, Gandhi travelled to Imphal airport via Silchar in Assam and then proceeded by road to a relief camp in Tuibong village, Churachandpur district, where he continued his interactions with the inmates.

Highlighting the purpose of Gandhi's visit, Meghachandra stated, "Rahul Gandhi's visit aims at providing support to the people and assessing the situation on the ground. His presence reflects the party's commitment to addressing the concerns of those affected by the recent violence."

Rahul Gandhi Meets Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey In Imphal

Before returning, Gandhi also met Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey in Imphal.

Addressing a press briefing, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the strife-torn state, expressing disappointment over the lack of improvement in the situation. More On It: 'Tremendous Tragedy': Rahul Gandhi Urges PM Modi To Visit Manipur, Says 'Listen To The Victims’ Woes'

The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities since May last year has left an indelible mark on Manipur, with over 200 lives lost and countless families displaced.

Gandhi's previous visits to Manipur include a trip shortly after the ethnic violence erupted on May 3 last year and the launch of his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from the state in January 2024.