Kolkata, Dec 22: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday said that resolving differences among the warring sides in violence-hit Manipur would take time, but expressed confidence that peace would ultimately prevail in the northeastern state.
Bhagwat, who recently visited Manipur, said he held discussions with tribal and social leaders as well as youth representatives during his visit. He noted that the disturbances in the state, largely related to law and order, are gradually subsiding and could end within about a year.
“Law and order problems are abating slowly and will come to an end,” he said, adding that the more difficult task lies in rebuilding trust between communities. “But bridging the minds is a great task, and it will take time,” Bhagwat said, asserting that sustained dialogue is the only way forward to bring the warring sides “to one page”.
He expressed optimism that reconciliation is possible, saying the intent for peace already exists. “That can be done, because basically the spirit is already there,” he said while addressing a programme here to mark the centenary celebrations of the RSS.
Drawing parallels with other northeastern states, Bhagwat said similar efforts had yielded results elsewhere. “We could do it in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, we are doing it in Nagaland and other places,” he said, adding that the RSS currently has around 100 shakhas in Manipur.
Reiterating his confidence in lasting peace, the RSS chief said, “Peace will ultimately prevail in Manipur, but definitely it will take time.”
Responding to a question from the audience about the perceived distance between the RSS and the top BJP leadership, Bhagwat said the Sangh has always maintained a clear separation from the ruling party. “We stay very distant from all BJP leaders,” he said, quickly adding that the organisation has always shared close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Both leaders are known to have strong links with the RSS, and Prime Minister Modi had earlier served as a pracharak of the organisation.
Bhagwat dismissed narratives suggesting strain in relations between the RSS and the BJP leadership, maintaining that the Sangh does not conceal its association with any political outfit. “We do not hide our relationship with anyone,” he said.
