"Heartbreaking...": Rahul Gandhi after visiting violence-hit people in Manipur

Digital Desk: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his grief on Friday after speaking with people affected by violence in Manipur.

In his Instagram post, the former Congress MP wrote, "It’s heartbreaking to see and listen to the plight of those who have lost loved ones and homes due to the violence in Manipur. There is a cry for help in the face of every brother, sister and child I meet."

In his appeal for peace in the conflict-torn state, Rahul Gandhi added, "The most important thing Manipur needs now is Peace - to secure the lives and livelihoods of our people. All our efforts must unite towards that goal."

Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to the state, would also meet with 10 like-minded party leaders, United Naga Council (UNC) leaders, and members of civil society organizations in Imphal, said Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra.

"Rahul Gandhi will meet with all of the affected families and visit the relief camps in Moirang. He will then return to Imphal. At the Imphal Hotel, he will meet with representatives of civil society organizations, the United Naga Council, ten like-minded political parties, and women's leaders. He is solely here for peace," he said.

On the first day of his two-day visit to Manipur, Rahul Gandhi met with victims of ethnic violence in Churachandpur. Congress leaders, who had previously claimed that the authorities were stopping him from meeting victims, later stated that the government had refused to allow him to come to Moirang.

Rahul Gandhi's visit to Moirang has been cancelled, said Manipur Congress president Keisham Meghachandra. "The administration refused to allow him to travel to Moirang by road or air. He could only meet the victims of the violence in Churachandpur. He's returning to Imphal and will spend the night there. It's unclear whether he'll be able to continue with his scheduled visits for tomorrow," he said.

Rahul Gandhi has previously stated on Twitter that Manipur requires healing and that peace must be the primary focus. "I came to listen to all my brothers and sisters of Manipur. People of all communities are being very welcoming and loving. It’s very unfortunate that the government is stopping me. Manipur needs healing. Peace has to be our only priority," he wrote.