RSS Aims to Foster Peace Between Meitei and Kuki Communities in Manipur
Efforts to Resolve Ethnic Tensions in Manipur
In the midst of discussions between the central government and the Meitei and Kuki communities in Delhi, the RSS announced on Monday its commitment to uniting both groups, asserting that a resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict in the state will be found. Sunil Ambekar, the RSS's publicity in-charge, stated that the organization has initiated dialogue with both the Meitei and Kuki communities. During a press conference following the conclusion of the RSS's provincial propagators meeting held from Friday to Sunday, he remarked, "When conditions deteriorate in a region, they cannot be rectified overnight. However, compared to last year, there is a slight improvement in peace in Manipur. We are optimistic that a solution will emerge from the ongoing dialogue on both sides of the divide."
Promoting Dialogue to Alleviate Tensions
The RSS emphasized on Monday that its volunteers are actively working to reduce tensions in Manipur by facilitating conversations between the Meitei and Kuki communities, leading to a gradual return of peace. Sunil Ambekar, head of the RSS's national publicity and media department, shared insights during a press conference regarding the current situation in Manipur and the positive developments occurring in the state, as discussed in the three-day meeting of provincial propagators in Delhi.
Participants from Across the Country Attend the Meeting
Ambekar provided details about the outcomes of the recently concluded meeting, stating, "Participants from all over the country attended the gathering. They also shared how RSS volunteers are striving to restore peace and establish harmony in Manipur as soon as possible." He added, "To achieve this, our volunteers are promoting dialogue between the Meitei and Kuki communities, aiming to create a conducive environment for cooperation."
Gradual Improvement in Conditions
Ambekar asserted that the situation in Manipur has improved compared to the previous year. He noted, "From the experiences shared by the representatives, several positive developments have emerged. While it may take some more time for the situation to return to normal, we have received encouraging news through the representatives who attended the RSS meeting." In response to opposition claims that conditions in the state are not normal, Ambekar remarked, "When situations deteriorate, they do not improve in a day, but certainly, when compared to previous years, peace has begun to return to some extent."
Ongoing Peace Process
He further stated, "The peace process has commenced, and the dialogue between both parties will continue to progress." Ambekar later issued a statement indicating that RSS volunteers are engaging with both sides (Meitei and Kuki) to restore normalcy in Manipur. He mentioned, "As a result, we are witnessing positive changes at the grassroots level." Since May 2023, ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur has claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands.
Political Developments in Manipur
Following the resignation of former Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 13, the central government imposed President's Rule in Manipur, suspending the state assembly, which is set to remain inactive until 2027. When asked about Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge's alleged comment regarding a potential ban on the RSS if Congress returns to power, Ambekar responded, "The RSS has faced bans before, but they had to lift them because such actions were not legally valid."