Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat is set to visit Manipur from November 20 to 22, marking his first trip to the northeastern state since ethnic violence erupted there two years ago. A functionary of the organisation confirmed on Wednesday that Bhagwat’s visit, while primarily linked to the centenary celebrations of the RSS, will also involve interactions with local citizens, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the tribal community.

According to RSS state general secretary Tarunkumar Sharma, Bhagwat will arrive in Manipur from Guwahati on November 20 and conclude his visit on November 22. “Our Sarsanghchalak’s visit to the state is in connection with the centenary celebrations of the RSS,” Sharma told PTI. “During his stay, separate interactive sessions will be held with prominent citizens, tribal community representatives, and youth leaders.”

This visit comes nearly two years after violent clashes broke out in Manipur between the Meitei community, concentrated in the Imphal valley, and Kuki-Zo tribal groups from the surrounding hill districts. The violence, which began in May 2023, resulted in the deaths of over 260 people and displaced thousands of families, leaving a lasting scar on the social and political landscape of the state. The unrest was so severe that the central government imposed President’s rule after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned from his post. The Manipur Legislative Assembly, which has a tenure until 2027, was placed under suspended animation, leaving the state under direct administrative control of the Centre.

Bhagwat’s visit is being described as largely organisational, rather than a response to the ongoing humanitarian situation. When asked whether he would visit relief camps housing internally displaced people, Sharma said, “This is not in the schedule as of now. The visit is mostly an internal part of the organisation.” Instead, the itinerary focuses on dialogues with community representatives, youth leaders, and local entrepreneurs, reflecting the RSS’s emphasis on strengthening its social and organisational presence in the state.

On the first day of his visit, November 20, Bhagwat will meet with entrepreneurs and eminent individuals at a programme scheduled at Konjeng Leikai in Imphal. The meeting is expected to discuss issues related to economic development, local entrepreneurship, and community welfare, aligning with the RSS’s broader initiatives to engage with civic and economic stakeholders. The following day, November 21, he is scheduled to meet tribal leaders from the Manipur hills, an engagement that is likely to focus on tribal issues, socio-cultural concerns, and regional development priorities.

This will be Bhagwat’s first visit to Manipur since the eruption of ethnic violence in 2023. The RSS chief had last visited the state in 2022, prior to the unrest, making this trip a significant occasion both symbolically and politically. Observers suggest that the visit could serve multiple purposes: reinforcing the RSS’s presence in a sensitive region, engaging directly with local leaders and communities, and highlighting the organisation’s role in social and community development initiatives.

The ethnic clashes in Manipur have left deep divisions between the Meitei population in the valley and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities in the surrounding hills. Reports indicate that the conflict has been driven by a combination of historical grievances, competition over land and resources, and political mobilization along ethnic lines. Thousands of people remain displaced, living in temporary relief camps for extended periods, while reconstruction and reconciliation efforts continue to face challenges due to political uncertainties and security concerns.

The central government’s imposition of President’s rule in Manipur followed the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The administration cited the breakdown of law and order and the urgent need to protect civilians as reasons for taking direct control of governance. Since then, the state assembly has been under suspended animation, and the administration has been focused on restoring stability, facilitating relief and rehabilitation for displaced communities, and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Bhagwat’s engagement with tribal leaders and youth groups may also be seen in the context of the RSS’s broader objectives in northeastern India. Analysts note that the organisation has been actively involved in the region, seeking to build networks with community leaders, promote cultural and educational initiatives, and establish its social outreach programmes. By meeting directly with local stakeholders, Bhagwat is expected to reinforce these initiatives and signal the organisation’s continued interest in contributing to the development and cohesion of the state’s diverse communities.

While the visit is not scheduled to include relief camps, the interactions with tribal leaders could indirectly address some of the concerns of displaced populations. Tribal representatives often serve as intermediaries between communities and authorities, and their engagement with national-level leaders can influence policy priorities and the allocation of resources. The RSS’s emphasis on dialogue and organisational consolidation in the state reflects a strategic approach to long-term presence and influence, particularly in regions experiencing ethnic or political volatility.

Bhagwat’s visit also coincides with the centenary celebrations of the RSS, which has provided a broader framework for his engagements. The organisation has been marking 100 years since its founding, with activities spanning multiple states, focusing on outreach, cultural engagement, and strengthening its organisational network. In Manipur, this framework appears to guide the schedule of meetings and interactions, allowing the RSS chief to combine ceremonial, strategic, and community-focused objectives during his three-day stay.

The broader political and social context of Manipur remains delicate. While large-scale violence has subsided since 2023, the underlying tensions between ethnic groups continue to influence local politics, development priorities, and community relations. Observers suggest that visits from national leaders like Bhagwat carry both symbolic and practical significance, as they can reassure communities of attention to their concerns, while also reinforcing organisational narratives and influence.

In addition to meetings with tribal leaders and youth groups, the RSS has indicated that Bhagwat’s visit will include sessions with prominent citizens, potentially covering issues such as local governance, entrepreneurship, social development, and civic engagement. By engaging with a range of stakeholders, the RSS appears to be emphasising both social cohesion and economic participation as integral to the state’s stability and progress.

Overall, Mohan Bhagwat’s three-day visit to Manipur is significant for several reasons. It marks his first trip to the state since the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023, reinforcing the RSS’s commitment to engaging with the region. It provides a platform for dialogue with tribal leaders, youth, and community representatives, highlighting the organisation’s focus on social outreach and development. It also coincides with the centenary celebrations of the RSS, providing a ceremonial and strategic context for his engagements.

As Manipur continues to navigate the aftermath of ethnic unrest, the visit of a national leader like Mohan Bhagwat underscores the ongoing efforts by social and political organisations to engage with local communities, promote development, and address lingering tensions. While relief for displaced populations may not be part of the current itinerary, the interactions planned with tribal leaders and civic representatives have the potential to influence broader reconciliation and development efforts in the state.

In conclusion, Bhagwat’s visit represents a combination of ceremonial commemoration, strategic organisational consolidation, and community engagement in a state that has experienced significant upheaval. It is a reminder of the complex social and political dynamics in Manipur, the continuing challenges of ethnic reconciliation, and the role that national organisations can play in shaping dialogue and fostering engagement in regions recovering from conflict.