Imphal : Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition Party, concluded his one-day visit to Manipur on July 8, where he highlighted the severe challenges faced by the state’s residents and appealed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally assess the situation.

Expressing deep concern over the prolonged crisis in Manipur, Rahul Gandhi made his third visit to the conflict-ridden state, emphasizing the urgent need for attention and intervention. During his visit, he interacted with displaced individuals from various communities, aiming to understand their plight firsthand.

The visit began in Jiribam, a region recently affected by renewed tensions after a year of relative calm. Rahul Gandhi met with representatives of both communities to grasp the underlying issues and the impact on local populations. From there, he traveled to Silchar before heading to Imphal, where he immediately proceeded to Churachandpur.

In Churachandpur he interacted with displaced people then came to Bishnupur district, where he also interacted with displaced people. Subsequently, he held a crucial meeting with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey, alongside security advisor Kuldeip Singh, Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi, and senior Congress leaders including Okram Ibobi Singh, Keisham Meghachandra Singh, and Gaikhangam.

Addressing the media later in the day, Rahul Gandhi appealed directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit. “Manipur continues to suffer greatly, and the people of the state are yearning to be heard,” he stated. “The Prime Minister’s visit would not only demonstrate solidarity but also foster confidence among the people. It is imperative for him to come and witness firsthand the challenges faced by Manipur, a proud state of the Indian Union.”

Throughout his visit, Rahul Gandhi received a warm welcome from the people of Manipur, who expressed gratitude for his continued efforts to highlight their plight on a national stage. His supporters and Congress workers gathered at the Congress Bhawan to hear his remarks, reflecting strong local support for his advocacy.

Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi visited Manipur on July 8  for the third time since the crisis began. He expressed disappointment over the lack of improvement in the situation. Gandhi visited relief camps, interacted with the people, and listened to their grievances. 

He emphasised the need for peace, stating that the ongoing violence has harmed thousands of families, destroyed properties, and caused deaths. He described the state as being completely divided and called it a tragedy for everyone involved. Gandhi assured the people of Manipur of his support and commitment to work towards restoring peace in the region.

Lok Sabha LoP and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said, “…It’s the third time I have come here since the problem started and it has been a tremendous tragedy. I was expecting some improvement in the situation but I was disappointed to see that the situation is still nowhere near what it should be.

I visited the camps and heard the people there, heard their pain. I came here to listen to them, to build confidence in them and as somebody who is in the opposition, to try and apply pressure on the govt so that it acts. Here, the need of the hour is peace. Violence is hurting everybody.

Thousands of families have been harmed, properties have been destroyed, family members have been killed and I have never seen anywhere in India what is going on here. The State is completely split in two and it is a tragedy for everybody involved. I want to tell all the people of Manipur, I come here as your brother, I come here as somebody who wants to help you, who wants to work with you to bring back peace in Manipur…”

Gandhi stated that he and the Congress party are ready to do whatever they can to bring back peace in Manipur.

After a conversation with the Governor, Gandhi expressed the party’s willingness to help and their dissatisfaction with the current progress. He emphasized that his intention is not to politicise the issue but to address the suffering in Manipur.

Gandhi urged everyone to think about peace and brotherhood, stating that violence and hatred will not provide a solution.

He assured that both he and the Congress party are available to assist and listen to the people of Manipur. He called upon the Indian government and patriots to reach out and embrace the people of Manipur to restore peace.