RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's First Visit to Manipur Since 2023 Ethnic Violence: Scheduled Meetings with Community Leaders

Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to arrive in Manipur on November 20 for his first visit since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the state two years ago.

Imphal: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will be visiting Manipur on November 20, marking his first appearance in the state since the eruption of ethnic conflict in 2023, according to an organization official on Wednesday.

Tarunkumar Sharma, RSS state general secretary, informed PTI that during Bhagwat's three-day visit, he will engage with citizens, entrepreneurs, and tribal community representatives.

"Our Sarsanghchalak's visit is connected to the RSS centenary celebrations. He will arrive from Guwahati on November 20 and depart on November 22," Sharma stated.

Another RSS functionary confirmed that this would be Bhagwat's first visit to Manipur since the violence began, with his previous visit occurring in 2022.

Sharma outlined Bhagwat's itinerary, which includes separate interactive sessions with prominent citizens, Janajati (tribal) community representatives, and youth leaders.

"Upon arrival, he will meet entrepreneurs and eminent individuals at a program in Konjeng Leikai, Imphal. The following day, November 21, Bhagwat will interact with tribal leaders from the Manipur hills," he elaborated.

When asked if the RSS chief would visit relief camps housing internally displaced people for the past two years, Sharma replied, "This is not currently in the schedule. The visit is primarily an internal organizational matter."

The ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups that erupted in May 2023 has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced thousands of residents.

Following Chief Minister N Biren Singh's resignation, the central government imposed President's rule in Manipur. The state assembly, with its tenure extending to 2027, has been placed under suspended animation.