Imphal, June 30: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his disapproval of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur, asserting that it would not contribute to finding a solution to the tense situation in the state. Sarma emphasized that the responsibility for managing and resolving the situation lies with the state and central governments, and political leaders should refrain from imposing themselves in such circumstances.
Rahul Gandhi’s Visit: A One-Day Media Hype
According to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur is unlikely to yield any positive results in the current situation. Sarma described it as a one-day media event that would not bring about any significant changes. He emphasized that political leaders should not exploit the situation for their own political advantage but instead focus on resolving the issues at hand through collaborative efforts.
Listen to what the people of Manipur are saying on @RahulGandhi not being allowed to visit affected areas and relief camps…
“Let him go!
Why is the govt blocking his visit?
What is the hidden agenda?"
The agenda of PM Modi is clear — Na Jaoonga Na Jaane Doonga https://t.co/QWOqLLBasf pic.twitter.com/arvPvQBnDA
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 29, 2023
Obstacles Faced by Rahul Gandhi in Manipur
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi’s convoy was stopped from proceeding to Churachandpur, one of the towns heavily affected by the clashes. The police cited a potential threat of grenade attacks along the highway as the reason behind the halt. As a result, Rahul Gandhi had to return to the Imphal airport and travel to Churachandpur by helicopter. Despite the obstacles, he visited the relief camps in the town and expressed his desire to listen to the people and work toward peace and healing in Manipur.
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Political Responses and Counterclaims
The Congress party questioned the reasons behind Rahul Gandhi’s restricted movement, claiming that the people of Manipur were welcoming and supportive of his visit. They attributed the obstruction to the instructions given by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to the police. In response, BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya countered by stating that “Rahul go back” slogans were raised during the visit, suggesting that not everyone welcomed his presence in Manipur. He dismissed the Congress party’s claims of overwhelming support.
Congress claimed that people had queued up to welcome Rahul Gandhi and were wanting to ‘wave’ at him in Manipur.
Wave black flags perhaps!
The truth is that All Manipur Students Union blamed the Congress for seeding the conflict back in 2012, blocked roads, burnt logs and held… pic.twitter.com/2BDLIhRLTy
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) June 29, 2023
Focusing on Peace and Unity
Amidst the political debates and differing perspectives, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the need to prioritize peace and unity in Manipur. He urged political leaders to bridge differences through compassion and avoid exacerbating existing fault lines. Sarma reiterated that the state and central governments are diligently addressing the situation, and it is essential to work toward a peaceful resolution without exploiting the circumstances for political gains.
As the situation in Manipur remains tense, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including political leaders, to prioritize the well-being of the people and work towards sustainable solutions. Transparent and constructive dialogue, along with a commitment to maintaining peace, is vital for the stability and progress of the state. The focus should be on addressing the underlying issues, promoting harmony among communities, and ensuring the welfare of the affected population.