Why Did Mohan Bhagwat Visit Manipur for 3 Days?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Mohan Bhagwat arrives in Manipur amidst ethnic tensions.
- His visit is part of the RSS's centenary celebrations.
- Engagements include meetings with local leaders and communities.
- The visit aims to foster connections in the Northeastern region.
- Concerns over misinformation regarding the RSS were addressed.
Imphal, Nov 20 (NationPress) The Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mohan Bhagwat, has arrived in Manipur for a three-day visit, marking his first trip since the outbreak of ethnic tensions in the region in May 2023.
An RSS official indicated that Bhagwat's visit is a significant part of the nationwide celebrations commemorating the RSS's centenary.
Upon his arrival at Imphal airport, the septuagenarian leader was warmly welcomed after completing a four-day tour in Assam.
Bhagwat proceeded to the RSS center, Bhaskara Prabha, located in Kongjeng Leikai, Imphal East district.
During his stay from November 20 to 22, the RSS Chief is scheduled to engage in a series of closed-door meetings with karyakartas and members of the organization.
He will also connect with entrepreneurs, tribal community representatives, and civil society organizations from both the valley and hill regions of Manipur, alongside prominent citizens and youth leaders.
In the context of ongoing efforts to establish a new government in Manipur, Bhagwat's visit adds a crucial layer to the dynamics of the Northeastern state.
This marks the first time the RSS Chief has visited since the violent clashes erupted between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities on May 3, 2023.
Bhagwat's previous visit to the state occurred in 2022.
It remains unclear if he will visit relief camps housing thousands of displaced individuals affected by the violence.
Over 260 lives have been lost, with 1,500 injuries and more than 70,000 displaced following the ethnic conflict triggered by a 'Tribal Solidarity March' that protested the Meitei community's bid for Scheduled Tribe status.
Manipur has been under President's Rule since February 13, following the resignation of N. Biren Singh as Chief Minister.
Singh stepped down four days prior to the imposition of President's Rule, resulting from ongoing ethnic unrest.
As part of the RSS's centenary celebration, Bhagwat had previously visited Guwahati on November 17 for a four-day tour in Assam, which was a significant component of the organization’s nationwide commemoration of its 100 years.
While in Guwahati, the RSS Chief engaged with esteemed citizens, scholars, writers, and entrepreneurs.
Bhagwat's visit comes at a time when the RSS is amplifying its involvement in the Northeast region, where it has significantly expanded its presence over the last decade.
The centenary celebrations are viewed as a chance to reinforce its ideological influence and broaden its outreach to various segments of society.
During his time in Guwahati, Bhagwat urged the youth of Assam and the Northeast not to form opinions about the RSS based on preconceived notions or biased narratives.
At a Youth Leadership Conclave in the Barbari area of Guwahati, he encouraged the youth to observe and understand the RSS thoroughly.
Bhagwat made several impactful statements regarding the principles and ideals of the RSS, addressing over 100 young representatives from diverse fields.
He noted that the RSS has become a topic of public discourse.
"However, these discussions must be grounded in factual information," he emphasized.
Addressing various information sources, Bhagwat acknowledged that over 50% of information related to the RSS from different international platforms and digital sources is either inaccurate or incomplete.
He stated, "There is also a deliberate misinformation campaign against the RSS in various media channels."