Imphal: Manipur government has denied permission to use Hapta Kangjeibung public ground in Imphal as the venue for launching the Congress Party’s upcoming ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ to be led by party leader Rahul Gandhi on January 14.
According to Congress Party, the upcoming Yatra is a crucial one for the nation as it will prioritise the pursuit of social, economic, and political aspects for the nation’s citizens.
Must read | ITLF responds to removal of Kuki-Zo tribals from ST list; calls N Biren Singh Communal
It may be mentioned that the porposed venue, Hapta Kangjeibung, is used for holding major official events in the state including the state annual Sangai Festival.
Members of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, called on chief minister N Biren Singh at CM’s Secretariat in Imphal on Wednesday seeking permission to utilise the public ground, but the chief minister denied permission citing security reasons in the wake of prevailing situation in Manipur.
Also read | Deletion of Chin-Kuki from Manipur ST list Committee will be formed: N Biren Singh
Speaking to media after the meeting, MPCC president K. Meghachandra expressed disappointment that permission was denied even after assuring the chief minister that the Yatra will be a peaceful one and that no Congress party flags will be used during the rally. He said, state government’s refusal citing security reasons in the wake of prevailing situation negates its very own claim that law and order situation has improved in the state. He further added that the party applied for permission to flag off the rally from Hapta Kangjeibung on January 2 but even after 8 days of making the request, the government had failed to give any confirmation, hence they paid a visit to the chief minister on the 9th day, but he has flatly declined their request.
Without disclosing the exact location, the MPCC president said they will now start preparing to launch the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from a private location in Thoubal.
Must read | CM N Biren says Manipur police, AR, BSF jointly fighting against ‘terrorists’ in Moreh
Meanwhile, the All India Congress Committee, secretary Szarita Laitphlang demanded to know why the state overnment is so scared to give permission for using Hapta Kangjeibung to launch the ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’. ‘There is no bad intention in this Yatra. This Yatra is for justice and for the people of Manipur. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wants to come in Manipur along with all the people because entire India is seeing what is happening in Manipur today, everybody wants to come here and stand in solidarity with people of the state, she said.
Also read | ANSAM congratulates newly appointed Dy Ato Kilonser of GPRN