Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi is set to visit Manipur on Monday, aiming to provide a healing touch to the violence-torn state. This visit underscores Prime Minister Narendra Modis absence, as highlighted by Gandhi and the INDIA bloc in the Lok Sabha.This marks Gandhis third visit to Manipur since ethnic violence erupted between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos on May 3 last year, and his first after the Congress secured both of the states Lok Sabha seats last month. Gandhis visit is crucial in a time when trust between the Kuki-Zos, the Meiteis, and the Meitei-dominated state BJP government has eroded, a situation even acknowledged by the Supreme Court.“Rahulji, naturally, may like to check whether Prime Minister Narendra Modis claim of normalcy returning to Manipur is correct or a lie,” said K. Devabrata Singh, Manipur state Congress working president.Ground AssessmentApart from assessing the situation firsthand, Gandhi will be advocating for peace. He expressed deep concern over recent violence in Jiribam district, where a Meitei mans body was discovered and houses were torched. During his visit, Gandhi plans to visit four relief camps, two each for Meiteis and Kuki-Zos.Itinerary and SecurityGandhi will enter Manipur by road from Fulertal in Assam, visiting a refugee camp at Thalai before travelling to Jiribam to meet Meiteis at a relief camp. He will then head to Churachandpur to visit a Kuki-Zo camp and later to Moirang in Bishnupur district to meet displaced Meiteis. His visit will also include a meeting with the Manipur governor.Earlier this year, Gandhi launched the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur, boosting the Congresss political standing in the region. He previously visited the state in June last year, shortly after the unrest began.Security measures in Jiribam district have been tightened ahead of his visit, with a ban on aerial photography and videography using drones, balloons, or any other means.Supreme Courts AcknowledgmentLast Wednesday, the Supreme Court acknowledged the deep-rooted sectarian divide in Manipurs institutions, directing the medical treatment of a Kuki undertrial from the state at an Assam hospital, citing a lack of trust in the Manipur government.Modis AssertionsPrime Minister Modi asserted in the Rajya Sabha on July 3 that violence in Manipur was declining and that schools had reopened in most parts of the state. He emphasised that efforts were ongoing to ensure a return to complete normalcy, with the Centre working alongside the state government to restore peace.Over 200 people have died and more than 60,000 have been displaced due to the violence in Manipur.
