Rahul Gandhi’s Itinerary
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is set to visit Manipur to meet those displaced by the ethnic conflict between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos, which began on May 3 last year. His visit includes stops at three relief camps: Jibram at 11:15 AM, Churachandpur at 3:30 PM, and Moirang at 4:30 PM. Gandhi will also meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey at the Raj Bhavan at 6 PM.
Context of the Visit
This visit follows two previous trips made by Gandhi to the region since the outbreak of violence. During the recent Parliament session, members of the opposition INDIA bloc interrupted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on July 2, chanting “Justice for Manipur.” Similar disruptions occurred in the Rajya Sabha during the Prime Minister’s response to the President’s address. Modi highlighted the government’s efforts to restore peace, mentioning the filing of 11,000 FIRs and 500 arrests, and noted a reduction in violent incidents.
Background of the Violence
The violence in Jiribam began on June 6 following the death of a Meitei farmer, Soibam Sarat Singh, who was found with neck injuries. The situation escalated after reports of a missing person from the Kuki-Zo community. Jiribam, located on Manipur’s border with Assam and along NH-37, is essential for the state’s supply of goods.
Rahul Gandhi’s Prior Engagements
Before his Manipur visit, Rahul Gandhi will travel to Silchar in Assam to meet flood victims at a relief camp in Fuletral village, Cachar district. This year, floods, landslides, and storms have affected about 22.70 lakh people in 28 districts of Assam, causing 78 deaths.
– Simran
