Daijiworld Media Network – Imphal

Imphal, Nov 19: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwat is set to arrive in Manipur on November 20, marking his first visit to the conflict-hit state since ethnic clashes broke out two years ago. The three-day trip comes as part of the centenary celebrations of the RSS, senior functionaries confirmed on Wednesday.

RSS state general secretary Tarunkumar Sharma, speaking to PTI, said Bhagwat will interact with a cross-section of Manipur’s society during his stay, including citizens, youth leaders, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the Janajati (tribal) community.

• Arrival: November 20, from Guwahati

• Departure: November 22

• Purpose: RSS centenary-related programmes

• Focus: Interaction with community leaders, intellectuals, and youth

This will be Bhagwat’s first visit since the 2023 ethnic conflict that claimed over 260 lives and displaced thousands across the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. He last visited Manipur in 2022, prior to the violence.

Scheduled Interactions

According to the RSS state unit:

• On November 20, Bhagwat will meet entrepreneurs and prominent personalities at a programme in Konjeng Leikai, Imphal.

• On November 21, he will hold a dedicated session with tribal leaders from the hill districts, in an attempt to understand the perspectives of the communities affected by the prolonged unrest.

When asked about a possible visit to the relief camps, where thousands displaced by the violence are still living, Sharma clarified that no such visit is included in the itinerary.
“The visit is mostly an internal organisational programme,” he added.

Since May 2023, Manipur has been gripped by violent ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

• 260+ lives lost

• Thousands forced into relief camps

• Multiple villages destroyed

• Deep mistrust persists between the two groups

Following the escalation, the Centre imposed President’s Rule after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned. The Manipur Legislative Assembly—whose term continues till 2027—remains in a state of suspended animation.

Bhagwat’s visit is being seen as a significant outreach move, though the absence of relief camp visits from his schedule suggests the focus will remain on internal organisational engagement rather than direct conflict-related intervention.