Police stops Rahul Gandhi in Manipur, tear gas shells fired to disperse protestors
Manipur : Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's convoy was halted today in Imphal, the capital of Manipur. According to reports, the local police stopped Rahul's convoy at the Vishnupur checkpoint. The police stated that they halted Rahul Gandhi and his supporters for security reasons as he was supposed to travel to Churachandpur.
Rahul Gandhi had a pre-scheduled two-day visit to Manipur. As part of his program, Rahul was scheduled to visit relief camps set up in Imphal and Churachandpur, where he would meet the victims of the Manipur violence. He was also scheduled to meet representatives of the Civil Society of Manipur. However, after the police intervention, it remains to be seen whether Rahul Gandhi will be able to fulfill these engagements.
Shortly after landing in Imphal, his convoy was stopped. Reports suggest that the police advised Rahul to proceed by helicopter, but he declined. Congress supporters created a commotion in response to this. In response, the police resorted to tear gas shelling during the confrontation. It is reported that following this incident, Rahul's convoy is returning to Imphal, and he will now proceed to Churachandpur by helicopter.
The Manipur government and the police have stated that their intention was not to stop Rahul Gandhi. They halted his convoy solely for security reasons.
Congress's statement
Congress Chief Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted about it, targeting Prime Minister Modi. Kharge described it as a violation of India's constitutional values.
According to media reports, the police halted Rahul's convoy due to the possibility of violence on that route. It has been reported that tires were set on fire on the highway near Utlou village in Vishnupur, and there was information that stones were also thrown at Rahul's convoy.
What did the BJP say?
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra commented on Rahul's visit to Manipur, saying, "Rahul Gandhi went to Manipur out of stubbornness. The situation there worsened after his visit. Rahul was in a hurry to open his 'love shop'; that's why he did not listen to the administration."
What is happening in Manipur?
The Meitei community has been demanding inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category. On May 3, there was opposition to this demand. In this opposition, the All Tribal Students' Union (ATSU) organized a rally, which was reported to have turned violent. There was also unrest over encroachment by the Forest Department. The conflict escalated from there, leading to the eruption of communal violence in Manipur. More than 100 people have lost their lives in this violence.
