RSS CHIEF'S NUDGE TO PM ON MANIPUR

Even as the portfolios of the Modi 3.0 dispensation were being announced with the charge of development of the North East Region being entrusted to Jyotiraditya Scindia, there comes a tutorial from RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, to the effect that it was time to get over the election rhetoric and address the situation in Manipur with priority.

Bhagwat's advice also came hours after suspected militants ambushed the advance security convoy of Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in Kangpokpi district, leaving one person injured.

Pointing out that peace had been eluding Manipur even one year after violence erupted in May, the RSS chief, who seldom gives unsolicited advice to the BJP in public, shared his concern at a gathering of RSS trainees.

Bhagwat’s message was loud and clear – that BJP needs to resolve the conflict in Manipur with certain urgency. He underscored the need to bring a certain gravitas to the matter. "Manipur is waiting for peace for the last one year. There was peace in Manipur 10 years ago. It felt like gun culture had finished there. But the state has suddenly seen violence," he said.

Manipur saw schisms and violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May last year. Since then some 200 people have been killed, while thousands have been displaced following large scale arson that has gutted homes and government buildings.