RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat Addresses Manipur Crisis: "We Remain Concerned Regardless of Government Awareness"

New Delhi:

Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which serves as the BJP's ideological foundation, has assured the people of Manipur that the organization has been deeply concerned about the state's situation, regardless of the government's awareness.

During his address at Bhaskar Prabha, the newly established Sangh office in Imphal, Bhagwat spoke to 160 prominent Manipuri citizens about the ongoing conflict in the region.

When questioned about pathways to peace, he stated: "The Sangh has been working for Manipur for the past three years and will continue to do whatever possible. Whether the government is aware or not, we remain concerned."

He emphasized, "We are concerned about every part of Bharat. Our organization exists everywhere because of your support. We don't depend on any government. We do everything within our capacity for you, leaving no possibility unexplored."

This three-day visit marks Bhagwat's first trip to Manipur since ethnic clashes began in 2023. His schedule includes meetings with tribal leaders and youth in Imphal on Friday. These closed-door discussions are being conducted under heightened security measures. President's Rule continues to be in effect in Manipur following the outbreak of ethnic violence.

Bhagwat's visit comes approximately two months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trip to the state, where he launched several development initiatives and visited Kuki-dominated Churachandpur, one of the areas most severely affected by violence that has claimed at least 260 lives and displaced thousands.

Last year, Bhagwat had emphasized that Manipur should be prioritized and called upon the government to help end the violence following the Lok Sabha elections.

"Manipur has been yearning for peace for a year now. The state experienced peace a decade ago when it seemed the gun culture had disappeared. However, the region suddenly erupted in violence," he had previously remarked.

Rajkumari Sunita, who works on watershed projects and attended an RSS meeting for the first time, told NDTV that the experience was "awakening" for her.

"There was a profound sense of nationality and awakening. It served as a wakeup call. This meeting reminded us of our obligations to our country and helped us not feel disconnected during the Manipur conflict," she explained to NDTV.