Cong slams stopping of Gandhi’s convoy by cops; leader takes chopper to relief camp, says Manipur needs peace and healing

Ethnic strife-torn Manipur witnessed high drama on Thursday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to relief camps in Churachandpur was met with obstacles when his convoy was stopped by the police midway. Gandhi had to resort to taking a helicopter to reach his destination. During his interaction with the people sheltering in relief camps, Gandhi emphasised the need for healing and prioritising peace in Manipur.

The blocking of Gandhi’s convoy sparked a political slugfest, with the Congress alleging that the BJP-led Government was attempting to thwart the leader’s visit, while the saffron party accused Gandhi of being “stubborn” for choosing a road trip despite advice to take a helicopter due to opposition from various quarters.

Expressing his disappointment, Gandhi tweeted, “People of all communities are very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the Government is stopping me.” He further stated in another  Twitter post, “I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority.”

During his visit to Churachandpur, Gandhi interacted with the inhabitants of relief camps established at a school and a college, where around 200 people are currently sheltered. Gandhi’s convoy was initially halted by the local police at Bishnupur, approximately 20 kilometers from Imphal, citing ongoing demonstrations along the route. “There is a security threat. We cannot take the risk of allowing Rahul Gandhi to proceed,” stated a senior police officer. A large number of people, predominantly women, gathered near the location and demonstrated both in support of and against the visit. Gandhi’s supporters demanded that he be allowed to proceed to Churachandpur, referencing Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to the same location last month. One woman participating in the demonstration questioned, “If Amit Shah could go to Churachandpur, why not Rahul Gandhi?”