Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's two-day trip to violence-torn Manipur was appreciated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president in Manipur Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi and she also suggested not to politicise the ethnic clashes that have been going on in the state.
Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi told the media, “In the current situation, I appreciate Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state. However, the focus should be on solving the situation and bringing back peace. The issue should not be politicised."
Rahul Gandhi visited relief camps in Churachandpur district on Thursday and on Friday he went to the camps at Moirang in Bishnupur district a day after. Reportedly Gandhi interacted with the representative of student bodies from the state along with some women and intellectuals. He also held a meeting with state Governor Anusuiya Uikey.
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Rahul Gandhi tweeted about his Manipur visit, saying, “I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are being very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority."
On the other hand, Sambit Patra, BJP's spokesperson reportedly claimed that Gandhi visited Manipur with 'stubbornness' and it would have been better if he were rare of the ground realities of the situation prevailed in Manipur.
In response to Patra's criticism, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the BJP to be jealous of Congress' efforts towards the Manipur crisis, he reportedly told the media, “They (BJP) always speak with jealousy. If a Congress leader goes there (Manipur) to try and understand the difficulties of the people, they call it a drama. They call the Opposition meeting in Patna, a photo session. They are not of a democratic mindset but of dictatorship."
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Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi also supports people who want to stop Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh from tendering his resignation. She reportedly said, “The people have come out supporting the Chief Minister because they have faith that situation will improve. People believe that if the situation is not controlled this time, it might go out of hand. The current situation in the state is the result of the doings of the previous government. The public has full trust in CM Biren's government."
