New Delhi: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has questioned whether “extremists from across the border” were among those behind the ongoing violence in Manipur which has been in the grip of ethnic violence since May 3.
In his Vijayadashami speech at the RSS headquarters in Nagpur on Tuesday (October 24), Bhagwat questioned “foreign powers” who may be taking advantage of such unrest and instability in Manipur.
“If we look at the current situation of Manipur, this fact becomes obvious,” he said.
“How did this mutual discord and hatred suddenly erupt in Manipur, which had been peaceful for almost a decade? Were there extremists from across the border also among those who committed violence? Why, and by whom, was an attempt made to give a communal tinge to this mutual conflict between the Manipuri Meitei and Kuki communities, who were apprehensive about the future of their existence? Who has a vested interest in trying to drag and besmirch an organisation like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which has been engaged in serving everyone without any bias for years, into this unfortunate incident without any reason? Which foreign powers may be interested in taking advantage of such unrest and instability in Manipur, located between Nagabhoomi and Mizoram in this border area? Does the geopolitics of Southeast Asia also have a role in these events?”
Questioning the “instigation of violence” Bhagwat said that violence has prevailed in the north eastern state despite a “strong government” in the country and a state government that wanted peace and stability
“Despite there being a strong government in the country, on whose strength and instigation has this violence continued unabated for so many days? Why did this violence erupt and continue even though there was a state government that wanted to maintain the peace that had prevailed over the last 9 years? Now, when people on both sides of the conflict are seeking peace, which are these forces that are attempting to trigger hatred and violence by causing an incident as soon as any positive step is seen being taken in that direction?”
Also read: What’s Behind the Manipur Violence and Why Stopping It Poses a Test For Modi
Bhagwat said that “multidimensional efforts” will be required along with a strong political will and leadership in “bridging the gap of mutual distrust that has arisen due to the unfortunate situation between the two communities.”
Since the outbreak of violence in Manipur on May 3, more than 70,000 people have been displaced and over 170 people have died.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government under chief minister Biren Singh has come under the scanner for the continued violence in the state. However, the central government has defended Singh under opposition fire and said that there is no need for his removal as he has been “cooperative.”
On May 3, violence broke out in Manipur’s Churachandpur after a Kuki-led tribal solidarity march in 10 of the state’s 16 districts. As the Meitei community organised counter-protests and blockades, clashes spread across the state.
While the violence was initially pitted against the backdrop of a Manipur high court ruling in favour of the longstanding Meitei demand for Scheduled Tribe status, the BJP government in the state in recent months has sought to shift the blame on outside forces.
In an interview to the Indian Express, Singh said on October 9 that the violence was due to “external forces” affected by his war on drugs and illegal immigration. In July, in an interview with news agency ANI as well, Singh had blamed external forces and called the violence “pre planned.”
“Manipur shares its borders with Myanmar. China is also nearby. As much as 398 km of our borders are porous and unguarded. There are security forces deployed on our frontiers, but even a robust and extensive security deployment can’t cover such a vast area. However, going by what’s happening, we can neither deny nor vehemently affirm…it seems pre-planned but the reason is not clear,” he said.
Also read: Inclusion of Meiteis in ST List Rejected in 1982, 2001, Historical Documents Kept From Manipur HC
“Attempt to harvest votes by inflaming emotions”
Bhagwat also urged people to vote wisely ahead of the general elections next year.
“The country is going to hold elections to the Lok Sabha in the early days of 2024. Attempts to harvest votes by inflaming emotions are not desirable, but they still keep happening. Let us avoid these things, as they hurt the unity of the society. To cast vote is the duty of every citizen, and we must follow it. Cast your vote keeping in mind the vital issues of unity, integrity, identity and development of the country,” he said.
Ram Temple inauguration on January 22
In his speech, Bhagwat also announced the date of the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya with the consecration of Ram Lalla idol on January 22, 2024.
The inauguration of the temple just months ahead of the general elections due in May next year holds significance for the BJP as it seeks a third consecutive term in the government.
“The endeavours and efforts of a nation are driven by the national ideals that serve the global purpose of that nation. Therefore, a temple for Shri Ramlala, whose picture is depicted on a page of the original copy of our constitution, is being built in Ayodhya. It has been announced that Shri Ramlala will be consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple on January 22, 2024,” he said.
“Due to practical difficulties and security reasons, only a limited number of people would be able to be present in Ayodhya on that auspicious occasion. Lord Shri Ram personifies dignified conduct for our ancient nation, is the epitome of dutifulness and Dharm, and symbolises affection and compassion. Same type of environment should be created at our respective places.”
Bhagwat added that the RSS should organise events to commemorate the occasion at various locations.
Last week, The Telegraph reported citing sources in the Uttar Pradesh government that Modi could offer inaugural prayers at the Ram Temple on January 22.
Months after the 2019 general election, the Supreme Court in November that year handed over the disputed land in Ayodhya – where the Babri Masjid once stood – to the Hindu side. The court also ordered that a trust be formed by the government of India to which the land would be turned over and which would build the Ram temple on the land.