Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, shared a heartfelt video on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly known as Twitter), urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Manipur, which has been severely affected by ethnic violence.
In the five-minute-long video, Rahul Gandhi highlights the ongoing distress in Manipur, pointing out that homes are still burning, innocent lives remain at risk, and thousands of families are forced to live in relief camps. “Manipur is still in turmoil. Houses are burning, innocent lives are in danger, and thousands of families are living in relief camps,” he wrote.
This marks Rahul Gandhi’s third visit to Manipur since violence erupted in May 2023. He emphasized that the state remains divided and urged PM Modi to personally visit, listen to the people’s grievances, and appeal for peace.
The video captures Rahul Gandhi consoling several individuals who shared their harrowing experiences of the ethnic clashes. A woman from the Jiribam relief camp revealed that her grandmother remains trapped in a conflict zone, and they have no means to reach her. “Even if we contact her, neither she can come here, nor we can go there,” she lamented.
In Thalai, Assam, another woman recounted losing her brother due to inadequate medical care. She attributed his death to the lack of sufficient government medical facilities. Rahul Gandhi assured the residents that the Congress party would assist with medical supplies.
“If the government wants to end it, it can end very quickly,” Rahul Gandhi stated at a relief camp in Churachandpur, Manipur. He expressed his frustration with the ongoing conflict, which began on May 3, 2023, after a Kuki-led solidarity march protested a Manipur High Court order. The court had directed the state government to consider including the Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribes list, sparking violence between the Kuki and Meitei communities that has claimed over 220 lives.
Addressing the inhabitants at the Moirang relief camp, Rahul Gandhi promised to raise their issues and apply pressure on the government. “I can raise the issue and put pressure. But I can’t assure you about going back. That question will be answered by the government. In the next session, I’ll speak for you,” he vowed.
