RSS Appeals for Peace in Manipur, Says No Place for Violence and Hatred in Democratic Setup

The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Sunday condemned the ongoing violence in Manipur and appealed to the government, including local administration, police, security forces and central agencies, to take every possible step to restore peace immediately.

In a statement, Dattatria Hosapal, Secretary General of the Relief and Social Services Department, urged the parties to ensure a smooth supply of relief items to those displaced by violence, along with “necessary measures to maintain peace and harmony” in the north-eastern state.

Stressing that there is no place for hatred and violence in a democratic framework, the association said that the two sides must overcome the lack of trust that caused the current crisis, and start dialogue to restore peace.

The RSS also appeals to civil society, political groups and the general public of Manipur to take every possible initiative to put an end to the current “chaotic and violent situation” and also ensure safety of human lives and lasting peace, he said.

“The ongoing violence in Manipur for the past 45 days is very worrying. The violence and uncertainty that started in Manipur after a protest march organized in Churachandpur on May 3 at the time of Lai Haroba festival is condemned,” said RSS General Secretary.

He said, “It is very unfortunate that the wave of unrest and violence that then broke out among those who had been living a peaceful life in harmony and mutual cooperation for centuries has not yet stopped.”

“The Sangh appeals to the government, including the local administration, police, army and central agencies to take every possible step to stop this painful violence immediately, and to ensure the smooth supply of relief materials among the displaced along with necessary measures to maintain peace and harmony,” Hosapally said. More than 100 people have died in the conflict. Ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur that broke out a month ago.

The state government imposed a curfew in 11 districts and suspended internet services.

Hosabali said the RSS stands with the displaced and other victims of the Manipur crisis, “who numbered over 50,000 during this period of terrible grief”. “The RSS believes that there is no place for violence and hatred in a democratic framework, and also believes that the solution to any problem can only be achieved through mutual dialogue and expression of brotherhood in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said. Hosabal said the RSS appeals to everyone to overcome the lack of trust that led to the current crisis. It requires comprehensive efforts from both communities. It can be resolved by simultaneously addressing the insecurities and helplessness among the Meiteis and the real concerns of the Kuki community,” he added.

In response to these remarks, the Congress said: “The RSS has finally issued a public appeal for peace and harmony in Manipur after 45 days of unending violence.” Its general secretary, Jairam Ramesh, alleged, “The well-known duplicity of the RSS ‘is manifesting as its divisive ideology and polarizing activities are changing the nature of the diverse North East'”. He also asked when the prime minister would say “something, do something in Manipur”.

(This story was not edited by the News18 staff and was published from a syndicated news agency feed – PTI)