The Manipur Congress has criticised the ongoing visit of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, arguing that the state urgently requires a government-driven peace framework rather than organisational mobilisation while residents continue to face instability and displacement.
Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra Singh said many had anticipated a clear announcement from the Centre outlining steps toward restoring peace and normalcy. Instead, he claimed the focus appeared to be on organisational strengthening at a time when the state is still grappling with ethnic tensions, administrative uncertainty and ongoing humanitarian distress.
Singh stated that ideological outreach cannot replace governance, asserting that what Manipur needs is a concrete political roadmap, accountability mechanisms and decisive administrative action. He called for plans to safely rehabilitate displaced families, establish a unified command structure to manage the ongoing situation and identify failures that contributed to the current crisis.
“Manipur needs healing, not polarisation,” he said, adding that strengthening ideological organisations does not address the core issues driving unrest.
Bhagwat arrived in Imphal on 20 November, marking his first visit since violent ethnic clashes broke out in May 2023. His schedule includes internal meetings with RSS members as well as interactions with tribal groups, youth organisations, business leaders and community representatives.
Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February, following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid intense criticism over handling of the conflict, which has resulted in more than 260 deaths and large-scale displacement.
