As RSS apex body meets, Manipur, Sandeshkhali, farmer protests top of mind; to skirt Kashi, Mathura rows

The ongoing turmoil in Manipur, the Sandeshkhali incident in West Bengal, the farmers’ agitation in Punjab, plans for a nationwide roll out of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) and a policy on population control are among the key contemporary issues which could be discussed at the upcoming baithak (meeting) of theRSS‘s apex policy-making body, the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), in Nagpur next week.

Sources said the agenda for the March 15-17 meeting includes suggestions submitted regarding how to manage the conflict in Manipur. At the ground level, sources said, the RSS is itself reaching out to certain sections of the Kuki community to initiate a dialogue between the state’s valley and hill areas. The dominant Meiteis in Manipur, concentrated in the valley areas, are seen as having the backing of the ruling BJP in the state.

Amid a further worsening of thec crisis following the recent abduction of an Additional SP by the radical Meitei organisation Arambai Tenggol, a senior RSS leader said: “There are many unwanted elements that have entered the conflict. There is some trouble from across the border too. These elements have an interest in letting the violence continue. A way has to be found to bring the two communities to talk to each other and find a solution.”

Another issue high on the agenda are the incidents in Sandeshkhali, which have put the ruling TMC on the defensive as its strongmen are accused of harassment of the local populace, including sexual. “This has been going on for a long time. Only now have the women mustered the courage to come out and speak. This will have far-reaching consequences for society, so it is a matter of great concern. Hopefully, more people will come out and speak now,” a source