Peace Process in Manipur Has Begun, But Needs Time: RSS

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar said that Manipur, which has been reeling from ethnic conflict, is showing signs of returning to normalcy. His remarks came during a press briefing on July 7 in New Delhi, following the three-day Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak held from July 4–6 at Keshav Kunj, Jhandewalan.

“When a situation deteriorates, it doesn't improve overnight. But compared to last year, Manipur is witnessing the beginning of peace. Dialogue is underway from both sides, and we expect a constructive path to emerge,” said Ambekar, referring to the ethnic tensions between Meitei and Kuki communities that have rocked the state since May 2023.

The remarks come amid ongoing reconciliation efforts in the Myanmar-bordering state, where social and spiritual organisations, including RSS-affiliated workers, are reportedly involved in efforts to rebuild trust and foster peace.

Centenary-Year Blueprint Unveiled

The annual coordination meeting, which brought together more than 230 senior RSS pracharaks and karyakartas from all 46 prants of the country, was addressed by Sarsanghchalak Dr. Mohan Bhagwat and Sarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale, along with all Sah-Sarkaryavahs including Dr. Krishnagopal, CR Mukund, Arun Kumar, Ramdutt, Atul Limaye, and Alok Kumar. Also present were sangathan mantris from 32 organisations inspired by the Sangh.

Sunil Ambekar outlined the RSS's ambitious outreach plan for its centenary year (2025–26), set to begin with the Vijayadashami Utsav later this year. He said the Sangh will organise more than one lakh Hindu Sammelans at Mandal level in rural areas and Basti level in urban areas, covering over 58,964 Mandals and 44,055 Bastis.

“These Sammelans will focus on cultural festivals, social unity, and discussions around ‘Panch Parivartan’—the five key transformations RSS believes are essential for national development,” he said. These include values such as inclusive progress, environmental mindfulness, community harmony, and individual well-being.

In parallel, over 11,360 Samajik Sadbhav Baithaks (social harmony meetings) will be organised in blocks and towns to further bridge social divides. Additionally, Pramukh Nagrik Seminars in 924 districts will spotlight themes like Ideas of Bharat, Pride of Bharat, and Bharat’s Swa (selfhood and civilizational identity).

The outreach will extend to the grassroots with Grih Sampark, a door-to-door campaign aiming to reach every household in every village and locality. “The objective is not just progress in economic or technological terms, but progress that is inclusive and rooted in India’s civilisational ethos,” Ambekar stressed.

21,000+ Karyakartas Trained

Between April and June 2025, the RSS conducted 100 Prashikshan Vargs (training camps) across the country. Of these, 75 Vargs were for swayamsevaks under 40, training 17,609 karyakartas, while 25 Vargs trained 4,270 shiksharthis aged 40 to 60. Participants from 8,812 locations attended these structured sessions focused on ideological clarity and social work.

Remarks on Language, Conversion & Naxalism

Responding to questions during the press conference, Ambekar said that religious conversion through force, deceit, or exploitation is unacceptable to the Sangh. On the question of national language, he reiterated RSS’s stand that all Bharatiya languages are national languages, and primary education should be imparted in the mother tongue.

He also highlighted the visible decline in Naxal violence, attributing it to both strong government response and growing public resistance. "Violence must end, and constructive alternatives must be embraced," he said.

RSS Role in Manipur Peace Efforts

Ambekar confirmed that RSS swayamsevaks are active in Manipur, engaged in efforts to restore social harmony and normal life. “Karyakartas from border regions shared ground-level insights on the current situation,” he noted.

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