New Delhi: On the occasion of Independence Day, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, met a group of citizens from Manipur residing in New Delhi on Thursday.
While India celebrates its 78th Independence Day, violence and conflict continue to affect the people of Manipur.
The Congress leader met a group of people comprising all major ethnic groups of the state to extend his solidarity and hear their stories.
The members of the group shared their pain of being cut off from their friends and family members, and also about the friendships that have ended as a result of the conflict.
They also spoke at length regarding the problems, including physical safety, mental health, and challenges to relief efforts being faced by the people of Manipur.
The group discussed their views on the causes of the conflict, which has created deep bitterness among communities. They shared that Manipur’s diversity makes it a mini-India.
The group stated that they are hoping for a resolution that would enable communities to live together harmoniously, embodying the true spirit of India.
In July, Rahul Gandhi also visited relief camps in Jibram and Churachandpur districts to interact with people displaced by the ethnic violence between the Meiteis and the Kuki-Zos, which began on May 3 last year.
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During his visit to the violence-hit state, Rahul Gandhi assured that he and the Congress party were prepared to take any necessary steps to restore peace in Manipur.
Ethnic violence erupted in Manipur on May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category.
