Security concerns cited as Manipur Police prevent Rahul Gandhi's access to riot-hit Districts
Congress leaders have accused Chief Minister N. Biren Singh of instructing the Manipur Police to prevent party leader Rahul Gandhi from visiting Bishnupur district to meet people affected by violence.
However, Bishnupur's Superintendent of Police, Heisnam Balram Singh, stated that they couldn't allow VIPs like Rahul Gandhi to visit areas where militants pose a threat with sophisticated arms and IEDs, which could create law and order issues.
The police cited security concerns and suggested that Gandhi visit Churachandpur by helicopter instead. The Congress leaders were halted by the police in Bishnupur, approximately 20 km from Imphal.
After a few hours, Gandhi, accompanied by party General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar, in-charge of several northeastern states, returned to the Imphal airport and flew by helicopter to Churachandpur, one of the severely affected districts.
Gandhi expressed his disappointment with the government's actions, emphasizing the need for healing and peace in Manipur.
Upon arriving in Manipur for his two-day visit, Gandhi's convoy was stopped in Bishnupur.A group of women gathered there and confronted the police, urging them to allow Gandhi to meet the affected people.
The Congress leaders accompanying Gandhi argued with the Bishnupur SP, stating that the Congress leader's intention was to bring peace and meet the families affected by the riots.
Gandhi had scheduled interactions with civil society organizations, tribal and non-tribal leaders, and prominent citizens in Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the actions of the Manipur Police, criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the situation in Manipur. Other Congress leaders, including Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and state party leaders, also criticized the BJP government's actions.
The Congress has been calling for President's Rule in Manipur, citing the state government's failure to address the violence. Congress delegations have visited the state and sought support from President Droupadi Murmu in Delhi, but their attempts to meet Prime Minister Modi have been unsuccessful. (Edited)