All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader Rahul Gandhi emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving the present crisis in Manipur and called upon all in Manipur to talk peace and move toward peace, as he concluded his two-day peace mission in Manipur on Friday.
Speaking to the media at the Raj Bhawan gate in Imphal after meeting with Governor Anusuiya Uikey and before leaving for New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep pain and extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Manipur.
“I came here to share the pain of the people of Manipur. It is a horrible tragedy that has taken place. It is extremely sad and painful for all the people of Manipur and all the people of India as well,” he said.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi visited the relief camps set up in both the hills and valley regions, where he interacted with the affected communities. He noted their grievances, particularly regarding the lack of basic amenities such as food and medicines.
“I went to the camps (relief), met people from all communities. One of the things I would say to the government is that the basic amenities in the camps need to be improved, food needs to be improved. Medicines need to be supplied,” he said.
Appealing to all the people to prioritise peace, Rahul Gandhi emphasised that violence would not yield any viable solutions. He said we should all start talking about peace and moving towards it.
“I would appeal to everybody in Manipur that we need peace. Peace is the most important thing. And, my strong appeal to everyone is that violence will not get anyone anything. Peace is the way forward. Everybody should now talk about peace and start moving towards peace.”
Expressing his deep affection for all the people of Manipur, Rahul Gandhi stressed the need to bring peace and said that he was here to help in whichever way he could.
When asked about the silence of Prime Minister Modi amid the two-month-long crisis, he declined to comment and firmly reiterated that his visit was not politically motivated, but rather a sincere effort to foster peace and harmony.
“I came to bring peace to the state. I love all the people of Manipur. And, once again, this is a terrible tragedy. And we need to bring peace here… Let's talk about peace and start moving forward," he added, highlighting the significance of open dialogue.
After addressing the media, Gandhi proceeded directly to Imphal Airport to return to the national capital.
Earlier in the day, he visited relief camps located at Moirang in Bishnupur district, where he interacted with the residents affected by the crisis.
Gandhi then flew from Moirang to Imphal Airport by chopper. Following his return, he met with various CSO leaders at Imphal Hotel before concluding his visit with a meeting with the governor.
Gandhi's visit to Manipur began on Thursday morning and included visits to several relief camps in Churachandpur and Imphal East. He spent the night in Imphal, holding meetings with MPCC leaders to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
The people of Manipur expressed the hope that his efforts would contribute to a peaceful resolution and alleviate the suffering of those affected by the crisis.
