Congress leader and Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited strife-torn Manipur and met victims of ethnic violence residing in relief camps. Later he met state Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal. Rahul Gandhi interacted with the inmates in the Jiribam, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. Since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state in May last year, more than 200 people have taken shelter in these relief camps. This is his third visit to the state. His first visit came weeks after ethnic violence broke out on May 3. His second visit came in January 2024, when he began his 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'.
Rahul Gandhi in Jirbhum
He first visited the relief camp in Jirbhum, which was set up at a higher secondary school. According to Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra, the inmates told Rahul about the experiences they went through. "He also enquired about what they need. One girl told Gandhi that neither the Prime Minister nor the chief minister had come to visit them. She also urged Gandhi to place the matter in Parliament," Meghachandra added.
On Rahul Gandhi's visit, Congress on X said, "His third visit to Manipur post-violence shows his unwavering commitment to the people's cause." However, this is his first visit to the state after the grand old party won both the Lok Sabha seats in the state.
Rahul Gandhi at Churachundpur relief camp
After Jirbhum, Rahul reached a relief camp in Tuibong village in Churachandpur district.
"Rahul Gandhi's visit aims at providing support to people and to assess the situation on the ground. His visit reflects the party's commitment to address the concerns of those affected by the recent violence," Meghachandra said.
Rahul meets Governor Anusuiya Uikey
From Tuibong, he met people at a relief camp at Moirang in Manipur's Bishnupur. Later he called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
Later, he addressed the media at the PCC office in Imphal and said that there was no change in the situation since he visited last time. Speaking about his meeting with the Governor, LoP Lok Sabha said that he expressed displeasure over the situation in the state and assured that the Congress party would help in whatever way it can.
(With PTI Inputs)
