Rahul Gandhi’s convoy to meet affected people stopped, people protests in Manipur

Imphal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s convoy was stopped at Bishnupur about 27 km from Imphal by Manipur Police and Bishnupur district officials.

The district administration official and police said no one will be allowed to pass through the district.

Former Chief Minister O Ibobi, Congress President, K Meghachandra and other Congress leaders questioned the reason for stopping the convoy one of the district official shouted, “Why don’t you go by air” to Rahul Gandhi and other elected members.

The Congress leaders asked the official not to raise voice and speak cordially as the entire stretch where the convoy was going was peaceful.

As the police stuck to the decision not to allow Rahul Gandhi to move people of the area started coming out and questioned why the convoy of Rahul Gandhi was stopped. A confrontation ensued and police resorted to action to stop the people. People shouted slogans like, “cheap politics”, “down down BJP”.

Rahul Gandhi also came down and enquired about the matter. The team decided to go back and visit some relief camps by air.

Rahul Gandhi after arrived here on Thursday to visit various relief camps to interact with the people displaced by the ethnic clashes in Manipur.

In a social network platform Rahul said , “I landed in Manipur today, where I will be visiting relief camps and meeting the families of those affected by violence that has engulfed the State. I will

also be meeting with members of the civil society.” “Restoration of peace is the top priority.

Manipur needs healing, and only together we can bring harmony.”

Rahul will stay in Manipur on Thursday and Friday and on the first day of the tour will interact with displaced people at Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Imphal West districts.

He will also meet with leaders of various civil society organisations, on Friday.

Manipur Congress party has arranged the meetings and appealed to all to freely express their

views. The Congress party had formed a fact finding team to visit Manipur after violence started

at Churachandpur district on May 3 last. The Congress team however was not allowed to visit the affected place by the government. (UNI)