Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, conveyed a message of peace to the people of Manipur during his visit to relief camps in the violence-stricken state. He arrived at Imphal airport and proceeded to visit relief camps in Jiribam and Churachandpur districts, offering support to the victims of recent violence.

During a press briefing, Mr. Gandhi expressed his disappointment at the lack of significant improvement in the situation. He emphasized, "I come here as your brother, Manipur. I want to work with you to restore peace."

Mr. Gandhi also met with Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey during his visit, describing the ongoing situation as a tremendous tragedy. He conveyed his concerns directly to the Governor regarding the need for improvement.

"I don't wish to politicize this issue," Mr. Gandhi emphasized, underscoring his non-partisan approach to addressing the crisis.

Staying overnight in Imphal, Rahul Gandhi planned to hold meetings with local leaders to discuss strategies for peace-building. This visit marks his third to Manipur and his first after the recent Lok Sabha elections, where the Congress secured victories in both constituencies amid ethnic violence.

The Congress leader's earlier visits included a review of conditions in Churachandpur, a district heavily impacted by ethnic strife, and participation in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, aimed at fostering peace and harmony in Manipur.

Accompanying Mr. Gandhi were Manipur's two Lok Sabha MPs and senior party leaders, including AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal. During his visit, the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF) urged Mr. Gandhi to push for an immediate political resolution to the ethnic tensions.

The ethnic violence in Manipur has displaced numerous people, with over 200 lives lost since May last year, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian and political intervention.