KOLKATA, Dec 22: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that while law and order conditions in violence-hit Manipur are gradually improving, resolving deep-rooted differences among the warring communities will take time, expressing confidence that peace will ultimately prevail in the State.
Speaking at a programme in Kolkata to mark the centenary celebrations of the RSS, Mr. Bhagwat said he had recently visited Manipur and held discussions with tribal leaders, social organisations and youth representatives. He noted that the disturbances, largely related to law and order, were slowly abating and could subside within about a year.
“Bridging minds is a great task, and it will take time. The only way forward is dialogue and bringing all sides on one page,” he said, adding that the spirit for reconciliation already exists among the people.
Citing similar experiences in other northeastern States, Mr. Bhagwat said dialogue-driven approaches had yielded results in places such as Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Nagaland. He also mentioned that the RSS has around 100 shakhas operating in Manipur.
Reiterating his optimism, the RSS chief said peace would “definitely prevail” in Manipur, though patience would be required.
Responding to a question during the interaction session about the Sangh’s relationship with the BJP leadership, Mr. Bhagwat said the RSS has always maintained a distance from political parties, including the BJP. However, he acknowledged the organisation’s longstanding association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom are known to have close ties with the Sangh.
He dismissed speculation about strained relations between the RSS and BJP leadership, stating that the Sangh does not conceal its relationships with any political organisation.
