The Mohan Bhagwat Manipur visit will begin on 20 November, marking his first trip to the state since ethnic violence erupted in 2023. RSS state general secretary Tarunkumar Sharma confirmed the three-day schedule and said the visit is part of the organisation’s centenary celebrations. Bhagwat will reach Imphal from Guwahati, where he is currently attending similar programs in Assam.
This is Bhagwat’s first visit to Manipur since the clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities began in May 2023. His last trip to the state was in 2022. The RSS chief will interact with citizens, entrepreneurs, youth groups, and tribal community representatives during multiple sessions across Imphal.
Sharma said the visit will include meetings with entrepreneurs and eminent individuals at Konjeng Leikai on the day of his arrival. On 21 November, Bhagwat will hold a separate session with tribal leaders from Manipur’s hill districts. These engagements aim to strengthen dialogue during a sensitive period in the state.
When asked if Bhagwat will visit relief camps where thousands remain displaced, Sharma said this is not part of the official schedule. He clarified that the itinerary is mostly internal to the organisation.
More than 260 people have died since the ethnic clashes broke out. Thousands continue to live in relief camps. The Centre imposed President’s Rule earlier this year after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned. The Manipur Assembly remains under suspended animation.
During his visit to Guwahati on Tuesday, Bhagwat said anyone who takes pride in “Bharat” is a Hindu. He described “Hindu” as a civilisational identity and claimed India does not need a formal declaration to be a “Hindu rashtra.”
The Mohan Bhagwat Manipur visit is expected to draw significant attention as tensions remain high in the state.
