RSS Chief's First Manipur Visit Since 2023 Conflict Begins
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat arrived in Imphal on Thursday for a significant three-day visit, marking his first trip to Manipur since the devastating ethnic conflict between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities erupted in May 2023. This visit is a key part of the Sangh's ongoing centenary celebrations.
According to local RSS functionaries, Bhagwat's itinerary is confined to the state capital, with all interactions scheduled to take place within the RSS office. They have explicitly stated that the RSS chief has no plans to meet with any political leaders during his stay, focusing instead on the organization's core outreach programs.
Core Agenda: The 'Panch Parivartan' Programme
The central theme of Bhagwat's visit is the Sangh's 'Panch Parivartan' (Five Transformations) programme. This initiative is built around five key pillars aimed at societal upliftment:
- Social Harmony
- Strengthening Family Values
- Environmental Protection
- Promotion of Selfhood and Self-Reliance
- Fulfillment of Civic Duties
His schedule is meticulously planned to engage with specific segments of society. The visit commenced with a lecture and interactive session for approximately 150 individuals, including journalists, academics, and entrepreneurs.
On the second day, Bhagwat is set to hold a crucial meeting with over 50 janjati (tribal) leaders. This discussion is expected to address the issues faced by tribal communities and explore the scope for sewa (service) activities in tribal areas. This will be followed by a yuva sammelan (youth conference) targeting participants under the age of 30.
RSS's Continued Engagement with the Manipur Crisis
Sunil Mohanty, the RSS's North East media coordinator, emphasized that the organization has maintained a consistent engagement with the situation in Manipur. He stated, "Bhagwat ji and the RSS have been sensitive to the troubles in Manipur since the start."
Mohanty highlighted that other senior RSS functionaries, including General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, Ullas Kulkarni, and V Bhagaiah, have previously visited the state. The concerns regarding Manipur have been a subject of discussion in the Sangh's all-India conventions, with multiple appeals made to the people. The community-wise engagement is described as an ongoing process.
This visit follows the RSS's annual meeting in Jabalpur, where Hosabale had indicated support for the reinstatement of a popular government in Manipur. The state has been under President's Rule since February 2025 after the resignation of then Chief Minister N Biren Singh, with the Assembly in suspended animation.
Bhagwat's trip also comes shortly after visits by central BJP leaders B L Santhosh and Sambit Patra. BJP national president J P Nadda is also anticipated to visit Manipur soon, amid pushes from NDA MLAs to form a new government. Despite the timing, the RSS functionary clarified, "Our schedule strictly adheres to the Sangh’s activities and doesn’t have anything to do with the BJP."
The ethnic strife in Manipur, which began over two years ago, has resulted in the deaths of more than 270 people and displaced thousands from their homes. Mohan Bhagwat's last visit to the state was in 2022 when he attended an event honoring the heroes of the 19th-century Anglo-Manipuri War.
