Mohan Bhagwat Arrives in Manipur Amid Ethnic Turmoil; Visit Reflects His Renewed Push for National Unity
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat will begin a three-day visit to Manipur on Thursday—his first trip to the conflict-hit state since ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities erupted in May 2023.
His arrival comes at a moment when his speeches and outreach over recent months have taken a distinctly stronger tone in favour of national cohesion and social harmony.
Bhagwat is visiting Manipur as part of the Sangh’s centenary celebrations, with all programmes scheduled in Imphal.
According to local RSS functionaries, his engagements will be confined to the organisation’s office and will not involve political leaders.
Focus on Social Harmony, Not Politics
RSS functionaries emphasised that Bhagwat’s visit is centred on outreach linked to the Sangh’s “Panch Parivartan” initiative, which promotes:
- social harmony,
- family values,
- environmental protection,
- selfhood and self-reliance, and
- civic responsibility.
On Thursday, Bhagwat is scheduled to address around 150 journalists, academics and entrepreneurs, followed by a direct interaction.
The next day, he will meet over 50 tribal leaders to discuss community issues and possible sewa initiatives in janjati areas. He will later speak at a youth conclave for attendees under the age of 30.
“There is no meeting planned with political leaders,” an Imphal-based RSS member clarified.
Bhagwat last visited Manipur in 2022 to honour the heroes of the 19th-century Anglo-Manipuri War.
RSS Says It Has Been Continuously Engaged With Manipur Crisis
RSS North East media coordinator Sunil Mohanty said that the Sangh has been closely monitoring and engaging with the ongoing crisis in Manipur.
He noted that senior leaders—including general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Ullas Kulkarni and V Bhagaiah—have previously visited the state.
The issue has been discussed nationally in RSS conventions, with repeated appeals for peace and dialogue.
After the RSS’s recent national meeting in Jabalpur, Hosabale also signalled the Sangh’s support for restoring a popular government in Manipur.
The state has been under President’s Rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh and the suspension of the Assembly.
Visit Coincides With High-Level Political Activity—but RSS Maintains Distance
Bhagwat’s trip follows visits by senior BJP leaders B L Santhosh and Sambit Patra, while BJP national president J P Nadda is expected in the coming days amid NDA MLAs’ demand for reinstating an elected government.
“Yes, we have heard of Nadda’s visit, but our schedule strictly adheres to the Sangh’s activities and has nothing to do with the BJP,” an RSS functionary stressed.
So far, the ethnic conflict has claimed more than 270 lives and displaced thousands in Manipur.
Bhagwat’s Message: Unity Above All
Bhagwat’s recent speeches across the country indicate a significant shift toward emphasising unity across communities, irrespective of religion or background.
In a widely discussed recent remark, he said:
“The doors of the RSS shakhas are open to everyone, regardless of religion. The only condition is that when you come inside, you follow what we do and say. Once you leave, you may think whatever you wish.”
This message—stressing discipline, togetherness, and national commitment—forms the backdrop of his Manipur visit, where the call for unity is more urgent than ever.
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