Rahul Gandhi's Convoy En Route Manipur's Churachandpur District Stopped by Police

After arriving at Imphal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left for Manipur's Churachandpur where he will meet people displaced by the ethnic strife at relief camps on Thursday. State Congress officials told PTI that Gandhi will also interact with civil society representatives, intellectuals and others in the course of his two-day visit.

"The aim of the trip is to bring a healing touch to those who have been affected by the ethnic strife in Manipur," a senior Congress office bearer in the state said.

KC Venugopal, General Secretary of the Congress, said,''Rahul Gandhi's convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur. Police say that they are not in a position to allow us. People are standing on both sides of the road to wave to Rahul Gandhi. We are not able to understand why have they stopped us?.''

Manipur has been in turmoil for nearly two months, and urgently needs a healing touch to move from conflict to peace. This is a humanitarian tragedy, and it is our responsibility to be a force of love, not hate.

On Friday, Gandhi is scheduled to visit relief camps in Imphal and hold talks with certain civil society organisations, Congress sources said.

More than 50,000 people have been displaced by the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur. The clashes have left over 100 people dead and thousands injured.

The violence erupted on May 3 after a 'Tribal Solidarity March' was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe ST status.

The Meitei community, which makes up about 53% of Manipur's population, lives mostly in the Imphal Valley. The tribal communities, including the Nagas and Kukis, make up another 40% of the population and reside in the hill districts.

The clashes have been fueled by a number of factors, including land disputes, political marginalization, and religious differences.

Gandhi's visit is seen as an attempt to help bring peace to the state. He is expected to meet with government officials, community leaders, and displaced people. He is also expected to call for an end to the violence and for the two communities to come together.

The violence in Manipur is a reminder of the deep-seated divisions that exist in the northeastern state. It is also a reminder of the importance of peace and tolerance. Gandhi's visit is a welcome step in the effort to bring peace to the state.