The Manipur Government has denied “ground permission” for the ‘Bharat Nyay Yatra’ of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, which was scheduled to commence at Hatta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district on January 14. Chief Minister N Biren Singh cited the “critical” law and order situation in the State, particularly in the aftermath of ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023.
Over 180 people have lost their lives, and several hundred have been injured due to the ongoing conflict, contributing to the challenging security scenario. The Chief Minister had earlier mentioned that the decision was under “active consideration,” awaiting reports from security agencies.
Recent incidents, including an exchange of fire between Manipur Police and militants at Moreh town along the Indo-Myanmar border, have heightened concerns about the volatile security situation.
The Congress party, undeterred by the denial, planned to launch the yatra from Hatta Kangjeibung, a historic polo ground in Imphal East district. However, they have been informed that they can only conduct the flag-off ceremony with “limited participants.” Party national president Mallikarjun Kharge was expected to flag off the program, attended by chief ministers of Congress-ruled States and other top leaders.
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal expressed the party’s determination, stating, “We will do the yatra come what may and will not allow election preparations to be hampered. This is not political…”
The formal notification from the Imphal East District Magistrate highlighted a “State function… on the same day” attended by the Chief Minister and senior cabinet members, prioritizing security resource deployment for this event.
The District Magistrate suggested allowing only the flagging off of the yatra with a limited number of participants, with their names and details submitted in advance for necessary precautionary measures.
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