Guwahati: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat told an audience of writers, intellectuals and entrepreneurs that Muslims and Christians who respect India and follow its cultural practices are “also Hindus”. He said Hindutva is inclusive and not confined by boundaries. His remarks framed national identity through the RSS lens at a time when multiple communities express concern over growing cultural pressure.
Bhagwat spoke during the RSS centenary year events. He listed five priority areas for the organisation. These include social harmony, family awakening, civic discipline, self reliance and environmental protection. He said these areas guide the RSS approach to social change.
Bhagwat will visit Manipur from November 20 to 22. This is his first trip since ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki groups erupted in 2023. Manipur continues to face a harsh divide. The state is under President’s Rule after the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Violence since May 2023 has killed more than 260 people. Over 70,000 residents have been displaced. The conflict began after the High Court recommended Scheduled Tribe status for Meiteis. Naga and Kuki groups opposed the move. They said Meiteis already hold political control in the Imphal Valley and feared the loss of tribal protections.
The demographic split remains central to the crisis. Meiteis, mostly Hindu, live in the valley that covers ten percent of the land. Naga and Kuki tribes, mostly Christian, live in the hill districts that cover ninety percent of the land. Tribal groups point to the political imbalance. Of Manipur’s twelve chief ministers since statehood, only two have been from tribal communities.
