Manipur govt clears Rahul’s Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra venue

The Manipur government, while denying permission for a rally, approved the venue where the Congress will flag off its Rahul Gandhi-led ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ on January 14. Scheduled to begin from the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in the capital of Imphal, only a “limited number of participants” have been allowed for the proposed opening ceremony of the yatra.

The Congress had approached the state government eight days ago, asking permission to flag off the yatra. The government, however, cited security concerns as the reason for disallowing a rally and said the party can hold a meeting with a small gathering.

The order issued by the Imphal East district magistrate’s office stated: “Only flagging off of the yatra with limited number of participants is hereby allowed on January 14 to prevent any untoward incident and disturbance in law and order. The number and name of the participants shall be provided in advance to this office to enable this office to take up all necessary precautionary measures.”

The order further said the Imphal East district superintendent of police submitted a report that a massive crowd is expected during the opening ceremony of the yatra at the venue. Hence, in view of prevailing law and order situation in the state, a crowd may create law and order problems.

“Moreover, prohibiton under Section 144 CrPc is also in force in Imphal East district,” the order added.

The state government, however, said Congress leaders are encouraged to visit. Top government sources said the state has advised the party’s leaders to travel in a chopper.