All India Congress Committee (AICC) leader Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in Imphal on Thursday on a two-day visit to the violence-hit state, faced a roadblock by the police in Bishnupur district when proceeding to Churachandpur, one of the worst-hit districts.
Rahul Gandhi's two-day visit is aimed at assessing the unrest situation in the state that has persisted for nearly two months now, according to party sources.
Related: Rahul Gandhi arrives in Imphal amid unrest | WATCH
However, police blocked his convoy at Bishnupur police station while he was en route to Churachandpur district from Imphal Airport, despite receiving security clearance from the Home Ministry, according to the party. The roadblock resulted in a massive protest by the public.
A crowd gathered demanding unhindered passage for Rahul Gandhi's convoy, which resulted in a clash between the crowd and the police. Teargas shells were used to disperse the crowd, and a security escort accompanying the Congress convoy sustained injuries in the incident.
Undeterred by the roadblock, Rahul Gandhi decided to return to Imphal Airport an opted for a helicopter flight to Churachandpur.
Prior to the encounter with the police, his convoy also faced resistance from the public at the Utlou area.
After reaching Churachandpur, Gandhi visited a few relief camps and interacted with the inmates before returning to Imphal Airport by chopper. However, his planned landing at Moirang was denied for unspecified reasons.
Upon landing at Imphal Airport, Gandhi headed directly towards a relief camp opened at Ideal Girls College in Akampat, Imphal East where he interacted with the inmates.
He was accompanied by other AICC and MPCC leaders, including its president K Meghachandra and CLP leader O Ibobi, among others. He later proceeded to Imphal Hotel for the night.
At the time of filing this report, Rahul Gandhi had not provided any statements to the media yet.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president K Meghachandra expressed his disapproval and condemned the actions of the BJP government accusing them of orchestrating a premeditated drama.
The MPCC president specifically pointed fingers at Chief Minister N Biren, alleging that the order to block Rahul Gandhi's convoy was issued by him to the Bishnupur DC and SP. Meghachandra further criticised the government's handling of the situation.
Emphasising the peaceful nature of Rahul Gandhi's visit and its focus on promoting peace without political motives, Meghachandra highlighted that the incident was unnecessary.
Initially, Gandhi had planned to spend the night in Moirang, but due to security reasons, he will be staying at Imphal Hotel instead.
The roadblock and subsequent clashes between the police and the crowd have brought attention to the tensions and unrest in Manipur. Rahul Gandhi's peace initiative mission continues, although now under added scrutiny and concerns over the local authorities' handling of the situation.
According to party sources, Rahul Gandhi planned to visit Moirang early Friday.
Meanwhile, irate mob thronged the Bishnupur district BJP's office, vexed over the BJP government for obstructing the AICC leader's peace mission.
According to IFP Churachandpur correspondent, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by state Congress leaders of the state visited relief camps at Greenwood High school of Tuibong and Churachandpur Government College of Hiangtam Lamka in Churachandpur.
He addressed a gathering at the YPA GHQ Hall, and the ITLF presented him with a memorandum.
Rahul Gandhi said his mission was to help restore peace in Manipur.
“You have gone through an extremely difficult time and my full affection and my heart are with you, and I have received your memorandum. If you have any other issues, please make it known as our people will be here, and we will do the needful,” he said.
He apologised that due to time constraints he had to go back from Bishnupur Police Station to Imphal and was forced to come via chopper in the afternoon. He had no time and had to leave soon, he added before flying back to Imphal from 36AR Halipad of Hq Veng around 5 pm.
