In first visit to Manipur since conflict, Mohan Bhagwat to focus on Sangh’s ‘Panch Parivartan’

While Bhagwat’s visit is being closely watched, local RSS functionaries have emphasised that its focus will be on outreach activities connected to the Sangh’s “Panch Parivartan” programme related to social harmony, family values, environmental protection, selfhood and self-reliance, and civic duties.

“In his first programme (on Thursday), Bhagwat will deliver a lecture to around 150 journalists, academics and entrepreneurs, which will be followed by an interaction with them. The next morning, there is a meeting with over 50 janjati (tribal) leaders, where their issues, what sewa can be done in tribal areas, will be discussed. Later, a yuva sammelan with a group of people aged below 30 will be held. There is no meeting scheduled with political leaders,” said an Imphal-based RSS functionary.

Bhagwat had made his last visit to Manipur in 2022, when he attended an event to pay homage to the heroes of the 19th century Anglo-Manipuri War.

The RSS’s North East media coordinator, Sunil Mohanty, said the Sangh has been continuously engaging with crisis in Manipur. “Bhagwat ji and the RSS have been sensitive to the troubles in Manipur since the start. Our general secretary, Dattatreya Hosabale ji, has visited the state earlier, so have other senior functionaries like Ullas Kulkarni ji and V Bhagaiah ji. A lot of concern has been expressed in our all-India conventions and there have been many appeals made to people. The community-wise engagement process is an ongoing one,” he said.

Following the RSS’s recent annual meeting in Jabalpur, Hosabale had indicated its support to the demand for reinstatement of a popular government in Manipur, which has been under President’s Rule since February this year following then chief minister N Biren Singh’s resignation. The Assembly had been then placed under suspended animation.

Bhagwat’s visit comes close on the heels of central BJP leaders B L Santhosh and Sambit Patra visiting Manipur. BJP national president J P Nadda is also likely to visit Manipur in the coming days amid the NDA MLAs’ push for installation of a popular government. “Yes, we have heard of Nadda’s visit but our schedule strictly adheres to the Sangh’s activities and doesn’t have anything to do with the BJP,” said the RSS functionary.

The ethnic strife has left over 270 people dead and thousands homeless in Manipur so far.