The Manipur government has given the go-ahead for the upcoming Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Imphal 'with a limited number of participants'. The development came just hours after Congress leaders said Prime Minister N Biren Singh had denied permission for their original site.
“Only flag-off of the Yatra with a limited number of participants is hereby allowed on January 14 to avoid any untoward incidents and disruption of public order. The number and name of the participants will be communicated to this office in advance so that this office can take all necessary precautions,” said the order from the office of the District Magistrate Imphal East.
The approval came about eight days after Congress sought permission to flag off the yatra from the Hapta Kangjeibung ground. The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will start from Imphal on January 14 and cover a distance of 6,713 kilometers across 12 states. The march – again led by Congressman Rahul Gandhi – will culminate in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.
Congress leaders had earlier said they were looking for alternative venues after their initial request was rejected by CM Singh. However, party leaders insist that the Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will start from Manipur 'at any cost'.
“Bharat Jodo Yatra will start from Manipur at any cost. We continue with the program. We do not want to politicize this Yatra. We also don't want to create an issue over Manipur,” Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said on Wednesday.
“The prevailing law and order situation in the state is very critical. Giving permission for Rahul Gandhi's meeting is being actively considered, we are taking reports from various security agencies. After receiving the reports, we will take a concrete decision,” the chief minister had said earlier.
(With input from agencies)
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Published: Jan 11, 2024 04:35 IST