While on his approach to Churachandpur district, one of the worst-affected places since ethnic violence erupted across Manipur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's convoy was halted by police in the Bishnupur area. According to a police official, this was a "precautionary" move done due to "fear of violence." Rahul returned to Imphal, from where he will board a chopper to the selected regions he intends to visit.

"Rahul Gandhi's convoy has been stopped by police near Bishnupur," Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told news agency ANI. The police claim they are unable to accommodate us. People are on both sides of the road waving to Rahul Gandhi. We don't understand why they've stopped us..." Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior politician Jairam Ramesh also reacted angrily, claiming that while PM Modi remains silent on the Manipur problem, Rahul Gandhi, who was in the state to lend a healing touch, has been barred from entering the state.

What is Rahul Gandhi doing in Manipur? The senior Congress politician arrived in Imphal on Thursday morning for a two-day visit to Manipur, where he will visit relief camps and meet with families affected by the state's weeks-long turmoil.

In response to the happenings, Congress' Jairam Ramesh stated, "His two-day visit to Manipur is in keeping with the spirit of the Bharat Jodo Yatra." The Prime Minister may choose to stay silent or inactive, but why should Rahul Gandhi's efforts to listen to and heal all segments of Manipur society be thwarted?"

In response to Rahul Gandhi's travel to Manipur on Thursday, Uddhav Thackeray faction MP Sanjay Raut stated, "It's good that Rahul Gandhi is going to Manipur." Nothing happened when Union HM went there. PM has not said even a word about Manipur till now. As a result of China's involvement, the situation in Manipur is deteriorating," according to ANI.