Still no peace in Manipur, address situation on priority: Mohan Bhagwat

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat on Monday expressed concern over peace eluding Manipur even after one year and said the situation in the strife-torn north eastern state must be considered with priority.

Addressing a gathering of RSS trainees at the concluding programme of the organisation's 'Karyakarta Vikas Varg — Dwitiya' at Dr Hedgewar Smriti Bhavan premises in Reshimbagh in Nagpur, he said conflict in various places and in society is not good.

He also emphasised the need to move forward from election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation. "Manipur is waiting for peace for the last one year. There was peace in Manipur 10 years ago. It felt like gun culture had finished there. But the state has suddenly seen violence," he said.

"The situation in Manipur will have to be considered with priority. There is a need to get over election rhetoric and focus on problems facing the nation," the RSS chief asserted.

Manipur was plunged into violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in May last year. Since then, over 200 people have lost their lives, while thousands have been displaced following large-scale arson that has gutted homes and government buildings.

Fresh violence has been reported from Jiribam over the past few days.