Manipur’s Bishnupur district has witnessed a fresh wave of violence, leading to the disappearance of four men who had gone to harvest ginger in the area. The incident adds to the growing concerns over security in the region, which has experienced heightened tensions and incidents in recent weeks. The missing individuals have been identified as Oinam Romen Meitei, Ahanthem Dara Meitei, Thoudam Ibomcha Meitei, and Thoudam Anand Meitei.
According to reports, the firing incident occurred between Wangoo in Thoubal district and Kumbi in Bishnupur district. The situation escalated with six rounds of mortar fire before small firearms were engaged, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear among the local population.
In a separate incident, four men from Manipur’s Kumbi assembly constituency went missing while collecting firewood near the hill ranges adjoining Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts. The missing individuals have been identified as Dara Singh, Ibomcha Singh, Romen Singh, and Anand Singh. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of them being held captive by militants, and assistance from central forces has been sought to address the situation.
This recent episode of violence adds to the prevailing security challenges in Manipur, with the town of Moreh experiencing gunfire between security personnel and militants. The town, which borders Myanmar, has been a focal point of tensions, witnessing multiple gunfights in recent weeks. The clashes have raised concerns about the involvement of foreign mercenaries from Myanmar in the attacks.
Notably, on January 2, seven security personnel, including four Manipur police commandos and three BSF personnel, were injured in an attack while on a search operation. The injured personnel were airlifted to Imphal for medical treatment. Similar gun battles had been reported in Moreh since December 30, prompting Chief Minister N Biren Singh to suggest the potential involvement of foreign mercenaries.
In the midst of these security challenges, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is poised to commence the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Manipur on January 14. The yatra is part of a nationwide initiative covering 6,713 kilometers across 12 states, with the march concluding in Mumbai on March 20 or 21. Despite the security concerns, the Manipur government has granted permission for the flagging off of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, albeit with a limited number of participants.
Rahul Gandhi’s yatra aims to address various issues related to justice, equality, and the concerns of the common people. The decision to commence the yatra from Manipur, a state grappling with recent incidents of violence, underscores the Congress party’s commitment to reaching out to people facing challenges across the country.
The yatra assumes significance not only in the context of the ongoing security situation in Manipur but also as a political initiative aimed at connecting with the grassroots and highlighting the party’s vision for a just and equitable society. Despite the security challenges, Congress leaders insist that the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will start from Manipur “at any cost.”
The decision to proceed with the yatra from Manipur underscores the party’s determination to engage with the issues facing the state and the broader concerns of the people. Rahul Gandhi’s leadership in initiating the yatra signifies a political approach that prioritizes direct engagement with citizens and an understanding of their challenges and aspirations.
As the security situation in Manipur remains complex, with instances of violence and missing individuals, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra brings attention to the need for addressing not only immediate security concerns but also the broader socio-economic and political issues faced by the people. The success and impact of the yatra will depend not only on its symbolic value but also on the concrete steps and policy positions the Congress party puts forward in response to the challenges identified during the journey.
The recent violence and missing persons incidents in Manipur’s Bishnupur district highlight the fragile security situation in the region. Against this backdrop, the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi becomes a significant political initiative, symbolizing the party’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the people and engaging with the challenges faced by different states across the country. The yatra’s journey from Manipur, despite the prevailing security challenges, underscores the party’s resolve to connect with the grassroots and convey its vision for a just and inclusive society.
