NEW DELHI: RSS calls for peace in riot-ridden Manipur. RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale came forward demanding the intervention of the state government and central agencies to contain the riots. He said in a statement that he was with the victims of the riots and was disturbed by the prolongation of the conflict. Opposition parties criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lack of intervention in the issue even as the houses of BJP leaders and ministers were attacked in the riot which has been going on for more than a month. RSS's call for peace comes during these circumstances.

It is estimated that at least 115 people died in the 45-day riot. Thousands have fled and 20,000 are in relief camps. The internet ban in the state has been extended till the 20th but the government has directed to open schools from June 21.

Meanwhile, Yumnam Joykumar Singh, former deputy chief minister of Manipur and vice president of the National People's Party (NPC), openly said that the support to BJP will be withdrawn if riots are not controlled in Manipur. Can't be silent. If the insurgency continues, we will be forced to withdraw our support to BJP. It is the responsibility of the central and state governments to ensure the safety of the people. Even after Amit Shah's visit, the situation has not improved. Union Minister's house was set on fire. Tomorrow the house of MP and MLA of any party can be set on fire. Even the highways could not be opened, Joykumar said.