Rahul Gandhi’s convoy headed to Churachandpur stopped at Bishnupur

Manipur police and Bishnupur DC stopped Gandhi’s convoy at Bishnupur citing law and order situation and that the route to Churanchandpur is not safe

The convoy of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who is on a 2-day visit to Manipur, was stopped this afternoon at Bishnupur about 20 kms from Churachandpur. The former Congress leader was headed to Churachandpur after landing in Imphal today to meet violence affected people living in relief camps and also interact with Civil Society Organisations, Meira Paibis (Imas or Mothers of Manipur) and community leaders in Churachandpur.

His convoy was stopped citing security reasons.

“We have been stopped in front of Bishnupur Police Station. It is the Bishnupur DC and SP blocking our way. They are saying that the route is not safe. No other organisation is stopping us, only the district administration and police are stopping us. It is the SP and DC who are blocking us,” Manipur Congress Chief K Meghachandra Singh told Northeast Live over the phone. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal and Meghachandra are with Gandhi in Manipur.

Former Manipur CM and Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh is rushing to the spot.

It may be mentioned here that reports of incidents of fresh firing came in this morning from different locations along the Kangpokpi-imphal West districts of Manipur. Incidents of gun fight was reported at Leimakhong, Kangchup Geljong and Harothel village of Kangpokpi. One person died and several others have been injured at another firing incident along the border areas of Imphal West and Kangpoki districts.

Churachandpur is about 66 kms from capital Imphal and takes about one and half hour to reach Churachandpur.

In Churachandpur, Gandhi was scheduled to meet affected families in relief camps. Gandhi was scheduled to visit the relief camps at Greenwood academy, Tuibong and the government college in Churachandpur and also meet Civil Society Organisations and community leaders.

Later in the day, Gandhi was supposed visit Moirang in Bishnupur before returning to Imphal. Bishnupur is between Imphal and Churachandpur. In Bishnupur, he was also supposed to visit the relief camps set up at Community Hall in Kong-jeng-bam and Moirang College and also meet Civil Society Organisations and community leaders.

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi was supposed to spend the night at Moirang but due to security concerns, Gandhi will come back to Imphal and spend the night in Imphal.

Tomorrow in Imphal, Gandhi is scheduled to meet representatives of 10 political parties, engage with the CSOs and women’s groups in the valley.

Also Read: Manipur Unrest: Cong leader Rahul Gandhi lands in Manipur on a 2-day visit to trouble torn state

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