Imphal: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday arrived in Manipur’s Jiribam district via Silchar amid tight security.
Jiribam district borders Assam’s Cachar district and thousands of displaced persons are taking refuge in the neighbouring state after fresh tensions sparked in June.
The Congress leader Gandhi visited a relief camp set up at Jiribam Higher Secondary School and interacted with inmates. He marked his first visit to the northeast region after being elected as the Leader of the Opposition to the Lower House.
“LoP Shri @RahulGandhi visits Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camps, meets victims of violence & offers support in their darkest hour. His third visit to Manipur post-violence shows his unwavering commitment to the people’s cause,” posted Congress on X.
The Congress MP was warmly welcomed by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra, CWC member Gaikhangam and other part workers upon his arrival at Jiribam.
However, just hours before his scheduled visit to the troubled district, security forces reportedly came under attack by armed miscreants at Phaitol village, leading to retaliation.
According to sources, several security forces sustained injuries during the exchange of gunfire.
Meanwhile, during his day-long visit to Manipur, Rahul Gandhi is also visiting Churachandpur district from Jiribam, meeting the CSO leader, and visiting more relief camps.
Later, he will travel by road from Churachandpur to Moirang in Bishnupur district to meet internally displaced persons staying in relief camps.
The Congress MP is also scheduled to meet Governor Anusuiya Uikey in Imphal before he leaves for Lucknow on a special charter flight.
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