Rahul Gandhi appeals for peace in Manipur

Imphal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday appealed for peace and stated that he shared and sorrow and pain of the people of Manipur.

He said horrible tragedies have taken place and met the displaced people of both communities.

He said the displaced persons should be provided food, proper shelter and medicines. He said peace is the way forward and violence will not bring anything.

Rahul also met Governor, Manipur, Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan, Imphal, on Friday and informed her about his visit to relief camps in Churachandpur, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts.

He briefly met media persons after coming out from Raj Bhawan.

He informed the Governor about the hardships faced by the displaced people who were staying in various relief.

Rahul also expressed his deep concern about the shortage of essential items like baby food, medicine of various ailments.Further, he also expressed his deep concern about the Law and Order situation in the State.

Rahul reiterated that the Congress party will extend fullest cooperation to bring peace and tranquility in the State so that the immemorial history of co-existence will maintain the status quo ante.

A Raj Bhawan statement said the Governor informed Rahul Gandhi the common programme of actions already taken up/proposed to be taken up by both the Central and State Governments to restore peace and tranquility and bring the situation under control through an amicable dialogue.

Rahul visited Moirang at Bishnupur district on Friday and interacted with displaced people. Rahul on Thursday was not allowed to travel by road to Moirang about 45 km from Imphal so he went by air.

Rahul's convoy stopped by Manipur police a day earlier

After arrival on Thursday Rahul along with central Congress leaders, former Chief Minister O Ibobi, AICC GS Organisation, KC Venugopal, State Congress President K Meghachandra and others had gone to Churachandpur however the convoy was stopped at Bishnupur district for over two hours by Bishnupur Police.

The team came back to Imphal and Rahul Gandhi visited Churachandpur district where the crisis started on May 3 last and had lunch with the people displaced by the clashes in the state.K Meghachandra said Rahul Gandhi was given permission to travel by road but it was cancelled after the convoy was about to reach Moirang.

He further said he discussed the security scenario with State Police but permission was not given to Congress leaders to go by road. Only few persons accommodated in the chopper visited Moirang on Friday.

Meghachandra further said the visit of Rahul Gandhi was to spread the message of love and peace.

Rahul also interacted with leaders of various civil societies, political parties, students bodies. (UNI)