Imphal: A massive protest broke out in Imphal with demonstrators chanting 'Go back Rahul' as the Congress leader arrived in Manipur, which has been plagued by violence.

In an attempt to control the crowd, security forces used tear gas shells.

Earlier in the day, the police had halted the Congress leader's convoy from Imphal to Churachandpur district due to security concerns, forcing him to travel to the district via helicopter.

Rahul Gandhis’ convoy was stopped some 20 km from Imphal over concerns of security amid tense law and order situation.

According to senior police officer Heisnam Balram Singh, considering the current situation on the ground, they prevented Rahul Gandhi from proceeding further and suggested that he travel to Churachandpur by helicopter.

The decision was made due to the potential risk of a grenade attack along the route that Rahul Gandhi, as a VIP, would have taken.

The police prioritized his security and safety by disallowing his travel along the highway.
Police said Gandhi’s convoy could be mistaken for a cavalcade of "attackers" in Churachandpur.

Rahul Gandhi arrived in Manipur to visit relief camps in Churachandpur, which has witnessed some of the worst cases of ethnic violence in the state.

Congress dubbed Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Manipur as a “healing touch” and a “force of love” even as it was opposed by many Civil Society Organisations & Student Unions in Manipur.

More than 100 people have lost their lives in the ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state so far.

Clashes first broke out on May 3 after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ was organised in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe ST status.

Meiteis account for about 53 percent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals — Nagas and Kukis — constitute another 40 percent of the population and reside in the hill districts.