New Delhi: As Manipur continues to reel under violence for over a month, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sunday urged all parties to maintain peace and harmony. Meanwhile, the Congress camp criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the issue.
In a statement issued by RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, the organisation said the conflict between the Meitei and the Kuki communities of Manipur, which erupted after a protest rally in Churachandpur on 3 May against demands of scheduled tribe status for Meiteis, can be resolved by addressing the “sense of insecurity and helplessness among Meities” and “genuine concerns of the Kukis”.
The RSS also said that it stands with all victims of the violence and those displaced in the ongoing crisis.
“Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is of the considered opinion that there is no place for violence and hatred in a democratic setup, and also believes that the solution of any problem is possible only through mutual dialogue and expression of brotherhood in a peaceful atmosphere,” it said.
The RSS further appealed that both communities need to work towards building trust and understanding.
“The Sangh appeals to the government, including local administration, police, military and the general agencies to take every possible step to immediately stop this painful violence, ensure the seamless supply of relief materials among the displaced along with necessary actions to maintain peace and harmony,” the statement added.
Congress questions PM Modi’s silence
Responding to the statement, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in a tweet posted Sunday criticised PM Modi for his silence on Manipur and accused him of outsourcing his appeal to the RSS. The RSS is the ideological fountainhead of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The RSS has FINALLY issued a public appeal for peace and harmony in Manipur after 45 days of unending violence. The RSS’ well-known duplicity is in full display as its divisive ideology and polarising activities is changing the very nature of a diverse NorthEast, of which Manipur…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) June 18, 2023
“Has he outsourced the public appeal to the organisation that moulded him? When will Mr. Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India, say something, do something on Manipur? Is he only a Prachar Mantri and not Pradhan Mantri,” asked Ramesh.
Congress MP from Kerala Shashi Tharoor too echoed Ramesh’s sentiments and tweeted that Kerala’s Christians are questioning PM Modi’s silence. Most of the Kukis are reportedly from the Christian community.
Among Christians in Kerala there is mounting disquiet about the Prime Minister’s silence on the violence in Manipur. The nation expects its head of government to stand up for what’s right. The silence & inaction are bewildering. https://t.co/XT9gRvF2Kz
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) June 18, 2023
(Edited by Richa Mishra)
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