RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat to visit Manipur for first time since 2023 ethnic violence

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to visit Manipur from November 20 to 22, marking his first trip since the ethnic violence erupted in 2023, a functionary of the organisation said on Wednesday.

During the three-day stay, Bhagwat will interact with citizens, entrepreneurs, youth leaders, and representatives of the tribal community, RSS state general secretary Tarunkumar Sharma said. “Our Sarsanghchalak's visit to the state is in connection with the centenary celebrations of the RSS. He is arriving from Guwahati on November 20 and will leave on November 22,” Sharma said.

As part of his itinerary, separate sessions will be held with prominent citizens, Janajati (tribal) community representatives, and youth leaders. On November 20, Bhagwat will meet entrepreneurs and eminent individuals at Konjeng Leikai in Imphal, and on November 21, he will hold discussions with tribal leaders from the hill districts. The visit does not include a visit to relief camps or displaced persons, Sharma added, as it is primarily an internal organisational event.

The 2023 ethnic violence, mainly between Meiteis in the valley and Kuki-Zo tribal groups in the hills, left more than 260 people dead and thousands displaced, many still living in relief camps. The unrest prompted the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, whose BJP government was in power at the time, after which the Centre imposed President’s Rule and placed the state assembly under suspended animation.

Bhagwat’s visit follows that of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had also visited Manipur in 2025 to review the situation and meet affected communities. Observers say the RSS chief’s trip could have symbolic political and social significance, potentially influencing inter-community relations and highlighting the organisation’s role in the region.