Hope speaks a universal language; fight for dignity, democracy same: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently in Colombia, on Saturday said hope has a universal language and the fight for dignity and democracy is one and the same.
Gandhi shared pictures of his visit to Colombia and his interaction with students there on his YouTube channel.
"From the vibrant streets in Colombia's comunas and the classrooms of University of Medellin, to the heartfelt conversations with students in Lima, Peru, this journey through South America has been filled with warmth, joy, and ideas.
"I met artists who use colour as resistance, and students who dream fearlessly. Their spirit of creativity and courage was truly inspiring," he said in his post along with pictures.
"At every step, I was reminded that hope speaks a universal language, and that across continents, our fight for dignity and democracy is one and the same," he also said.
Gandhi is on an over a week-long visit to four Latin American countries - Colombia, Brazil, Peru and Chile.
The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha is expected to interact with political leaders, students, and businessmen during his visit.
He will be holding meetings with presidents and senior leaders across multiple countries, strengthening democratic and strategic ties, the party said.
Gandhi will engage with business leaders to explore opportunities as India seeks to diversify trade and partnerships in the wake of US tariffs, it also said.
He will interact with university students in Brazil, Colombia, and beyond, fostering dialogue with the next generation of global leaders.
The crucial visit carries historical resonance, the Congress said, adding that India and South America have long shared bonds through the Non-Aligned Movement, solidarity in the Global South, and a commitment to a multipolar world order.
Gandhi's outreach continues this tradition while opening new avenues of cooperation in trade, technology, sustainability, and people-to-people exchanges, the Congress said.
It underscores the essential role of India's democratic opposition in shaping international partnerships and advancing India's global presence, the party has also said.
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Protesters clash with police during torch rally in Manipur
Imphal (PTI): People protesting the death of two children in a recent bomb blast in Manipur clashed with security forces during a torch rally in the state capital Imphal, police said.
Two children died in a bomb blast at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur on April 7. The Imphal Valley districts have been witnessing daily protests over the incident.
A seven-km-long torch rally was brought out from Mayai Lambi to Keishamthong in Imphal West district on Monday night, but the participants turned violent and clashed with the security forces, a police officer said.
Security forces fired several rounds of tear gas shells in Keishamthong area after hundreds of protesters defying curfew demanded they be allowed to proceed for another 200 metres towards Keisampat area, which is close to the Lok Bhavan and the BJP state office, he said.
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Orders prohibiting the movement of any individuals outside their respective homes are in force in all the five valley districts from 5 pm to 5 am.
"Protesters pelted the security forces with stones and iron pellets from catapults, endangering the lives of the heavily outnumbered security forces," the officer said.
Manipur Police have, meanwhile, arrested 19 people for violating curfew and committing offences, including blocking roads and damaging public property, in the Greater Imphal area. They were nabbed from different parts of Imphal West district on Sunday, a police statement said.
In the Ukhrul district headquarters, a candlelight vigil was held on Monday night to honour the two Tangkhul Naga civilians who were killed in an ambush in TM Kasom area in the district on April 18.
Various civil society organisations from both the valley and hill areas strongly condemned the brutal killings, alleging that the victims were shot by Kuki militants using sniper rifles.
