NEW DELHI: Amidst the escalating violence in Manipur, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief, Mohan Bhagwat, has expressed his concerns regarding the situation. Bhagwat questioned the origins of the violence and the factors responsible for it.
Speaking during a Dussehra event in Nagpur, he emphasised the tranquility that once prevailed in Manipur and pondered how discord had suddenly erupted. He raised pertinent questions, asking whether cross-border terrorists were involved in instigating the violence and if external forces were stoking conflicts in the border state.
“If we look at the current situation of Manipur, this fact becomes obvious. How did this mutual discord and hatred suddenly erupt in Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade? Were there extremists from across the border also among those who committed violence?” he said.
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Bhagwat also expressed his concerns about the tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, urging an investigation of who might have fuelled this divide and how it benefits anyone. Pointing out that Manipur’s border area, with its strategic significance, necessitates a closer look into the interests at play, he said, “For many years, Meitei and Kuki communities have been living together. How did the violence erupt all of a sudden? The conflict benefits external forces. Are external factors involved?”
The RSS Chief highlighted instances where politicians seemed to have instigated violence during peace processes, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the situation.
Praising the RSS workers involved in managing the complex situation in Manipur, Bhagwat saluted their dedication and stressed the importance of rebuilding trust in the region, acknowledging the challenges it posed.
Additionally, Bhagwat drew attention to those who seek to disrupt the unity of India, suggesting that, in the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, some are attempting to manipulate emotions for electoral gains. He urged vigilance against such conspiracies and emphasised that societal unity is founded on a sense of belonging.
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“The swayamsevaks of the Sangh are continuously and dedicatedly serving everyone and organising relief work, while appealing to the positive, influential people of the society to help bring peace. It’s the Sangh’s endeavour to keep everyone safe, organised harmonious and peaceful by accepting everyone as its own, even if it entails great sacrifices. We are proud of our Swayamsevaks and activists, who made tremendous efforts in a calm an composed manner to help and take care of everyone in this terrible and disturbing situation Manipur,” he said.
The remarks by the RSS Chief shed light on the critical situation in Manipur and underscored the significance of fostering peace, unity, and trust in the region.
Dusshehra Address | From RSS HQ
As ace music composer Shankar Mahadevan joins Dr Mohan Bhagwat on occasion of Vijay Dashami, The New Indian team brings you first visuals of the mega event at 7 am from Nagpur.
Executive Editor Rohan Dua reports from Nagpur. Follow us for more pic.twitter.com/eTJo6gxEoV
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