Congress Claims Manipur govt 'declined' permission to Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Imphal
Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra hits a roadblock as Manipur govt denies permission citing security concerns. Congress cries foul, accusing BJP of stifling dissent. Manipur violence and border clashes add to the uncertainty.
Imphal: The Congress party on Wednesday accused the Manipur government of "declining" permission for Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' to kick off from the state's Imphal East district. The foot march, aimed at uniting India, was scheduled to begin on January 14th from Hatta Kangjeibung.
State Congress chief Keisham Megachandra called the decision "unfortunate" and a "violation of people's rights." He confirmed meeting Chief Minister N Biren Singh to seek permission but met with a rejection.
The denial comes amidst a "critical" law and order situation in Manipur following ethnic violence in May 2023. Security concerns were cited as a reason for the government's stance.
However, Chief Minister Singh's earlier statements contradicting the current decision have raised eyebrows. On Tuesday, he claimed the matter was under "active consideration" and awaiting reports from security agencies. This left the Congress baffled as general secretary KC Venugopal had already mentioned seeking the Centre's approval for the yatra.
Adding to the confusion, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's scheduled flag-off of the event, with attendance from Chief Ministers of Congress-ruled states and top party leaders, appears uncertain.
Meanwhile, on Monday morning, fresh clashes erupted between Manipur Police and militants at the Moreh border town near Myanmar. These developments further exacerbate the security concerns cited by the government.
As of now, the yatra's fate in Manipur hangs in the balance, leaving the Congress disappointed and questioning the government's motives. Whether the issue resolves before the scheduled launch date remains to be seen.
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