Will take time to heal wounds in Manipur: RSS

Bengaluru: The situation in Manipur came up at the inaugural session of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) annual national executive meeting in Bengaluru with the Sangh’s leadership stating that the imposition of President’s rule has raised hopes of normalcy returning to the state, albeit at a slow pace.

Analysing some of the current issues faced by the country, RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, while discussing Manipur, felt that it would take a long time for an atmosphere of cordiality and trust to emerge in Manipur.

Addressing a press conference, RSS joint general secretary CR Mukundan, while expressing concern over Manipur said: “Now, there is some hope in people and our organisation as President’s rule has been imposed. And there are few things that could be set right administratively. But it will take a long time to heal the wounds in Manipur.”

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic strife for the past 20 months, he said. “However, there is some hope as we have gone through the decisions of the central government, some of which are political and some of which are administrative and they have given some hope,” he said.

Talking about Sangh’s efforts to restore peace, he said RSS is making efforts to bring the Meiteis and Kukis together. The Sangh has volunteers in both these groups.

“We are in touch with the leaders of both communities. Some meetings were also held in Imphal, Guwahati and Delhi,” he added.

The RSS said that its request to all communities of Manipur is to leave aside their distrust and make a conscious effort to work towards social unity and mutual brotherhood.