By M.Devananad Sharma
Imphal (Manipur) July 8 : Hours before the scheduled visit of Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition, to Jiribam, armed miscreant opened fire on security personnel, prompting them to retaliate. Several security personnel sustained injuries during the exchange. The incident occurred early in the morning when gun men fired upon an armored vehicle of the security forces stationed in Jiribam. Visuals from the scene depicted bullet-ridden vehicles and the apprehension of two suspected insurgents by local authorities.
Following the attack, heightened security measures were implemented across the district, underscoring the volatile security situation prevailing in the region. The police arrested two individuals in connection with the assault and are currently interrogating them. Rahul Gandhi proceeded with his scheduled visit despite the security breach, arriving in Jiribam to meet with internally displaced persons (IDPs) sheltered at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp.
During his visit, Gandhi interacted with the displaced families, offering support and reassurance in their time of hard ship
Rahul Gandhi spent an hour at the Jiribam Higher Secondary School relief camp, speaking with displaced families and assessing the humanitarian situation on the ground before he proceeded in Imphal and later at Moirang in Bishnupur district and Churachandpur district. Many residents taking shelter at the relief camp have been forced to flee their homes due to insecurity, with reports of houses being burnt down on the outskirts of Jiribam District.
This is the third visit of Rahul Gandhi to Manipur after the violence broke out in the state. The opposition leader started his “Bharat Nyay Jodo Jatra from Thoubal district here in Manipur.
During his visit at Jiribam, Rahul Gandhi heard the grievances of the camp’s residents: “Homes have been destroyed, livelihoods disrupted, and families torn apart by this senseless violence,” he remarked. He empathized with their pain and assured them of his commitment to advocating for their support and rehabilitation, including raising their issues in parliament.
Accompanying Rahul Gandhi on his first visit to Jiribam were Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President K. Meghachandra Singh, CLP leader and former Chief Minister of Manipur O. Ibobi Singh former Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei, and AICC General Secretary (Social Media) K.C. Venugopal. The visit occurred against a backdrop of heightened security concerns in Jiribam and its neighboring districts, which have witnessed a series of attacks and clashes in recent months. Thousands have been displaced by the violence, placing strain on relief camps and local resources.
Rahul Gandhi departed Jiribam after meeting with affected people at the relief camp, heading to Silchar Airport for his next visits to relief camps in Churachandpur District and Moirang.
Rahul Gandhi also addressed the press at Congress Bhavan after meeting the Governor of Manipur Anusuiya at around 6 pm.
