Imphal: “The need of the hour is peace. Violence is hurting everybody; thousands of families have been harmed, property has been destroyed, and family members have been killed. I have never seen anything like what’s going on here,” said Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi here on Monday.
The former Congress president, visiting the state for the third time since the ethnic conflict between two communities broke out in May last year, emphasized his visit was to listen to the people’s pain as a brother and family member.
“I understand that all of Manipur is in pain and suffering. We need to get out of this suffering as soon as possible. That’s my message. I would request everybody to think about peace and brotherhood,” Gandhi stated at Congress Bhavan after visiting various relief camps in Manipur, including Jiribam.
He said the Congress party was ready to do whatever it could to bring back peace. He also mentioned that he and his party leaders had discussed their displeasure with the progress in Manipur with Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan.
Gandhi stressed that his visit was not political and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the state and listen to the people’s problems.
“I feel that it is important that the Prime Minister comes here, listens to the people of Manipur, and tries to understand what’s going on. Manipur is a proud state of the Indian Union. Even in the face of tragedy, the Prime Minister should come to Manipur. In this huge tragedy, I request the Prime Minister to take 1-2 days to come and listen to the people of Manipur,” he added.
“Violence and hatred will not provide any solutions. If we start thinking about peace and affection, it would be a significant step forward for Manipur. The Congress party and I are available anytime you need us to come here, five times, ten times. I am happy to come, to listen, and to help as Leader of the Opposition,” he continued.
“It’s the third time I’ve come here since the problem started. It’s been a tremendous tragedy. Frankly, I was expecting some improvement in the situation. But I was quite disappointed to see that the situation is still not as normal as it should be. I visited the camps, heard the people, and their pain. I came here to listen to them and build confidence. As someone in the opposition, I will try to apply pressure on the government.”
“The people of Manipur need to be heard. They are in pain and suffering. The Indian government and everyone who considers themselves a patriot must reach out, embrace the people of Manipur, and bring peace to the state,” he concluded.
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi visited Jiribam and landed in Imphal around 1:30 pm. He went straight to Churachandpur to interact with Kuki IDPs and listen to their grievances. On the return journey, he also interacted with IDPs at Phubala High School Relief Camp.
In the evening, he and state Congress leaders, including former CM Okram Ibobi, MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra, MPs Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam and Alred Kangam Arthur, and other legislators, called on Governor Uikey at Raj Bhavan.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to leave for Delhi on Tuesday morning.
