New Delhi: The N Biren Singh-led Manipur government on Wednesday granted permission to Rahul Gandhi to commence his ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ from Hapta Kangjeibung ground but "with limited number of participants."
The approval came eight days after the Congress approached the Manipur government for flagging off the yatra from Hapta Kangjeibung ground, one of the world’s oldest polo grounds, in the northeast state’s Imphal East district, reported PTI.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be launched from Imphal on January 14 and culminate on March 20 in Mumbai.
The order issued by the Imphal East district magistrate's office said, "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".
As per PTI, the order stated that the Imphal East district superintendent of police has submitted a report stating that a huge crowd is expected during the opening ceremony of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra at the venue. In view of prevailing law and order situation in the state, the huge gathering may create law and order problems. "Moreover prohibiton under Section 144 Cr PC is also in force in Imphal East district," it added.
The prohibitory order has been in force in the area since the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur broke out on May 3. The violence has claimed about 185 lives and left hundreds injured.
The order further stated that the joint secretary of the home department has conveyed that the agencies concerned have mentioned in their report that the matter is sensitive and needs special attention, especially in the context of the prevailing law and order situation in the state. Moreover, the state function for the commemoration of Armed Forces Veteran Day is also scheduled to be held on that day.
Congress On Launching Its Yatra From Imphal
The grand old party is yet to make a final decision on the flagging off of its Yatra in the wake of the state government's decision to allow the rally with a limited number of participants.
"We have seen the order. Senior leaders of the party will take a final decision on the matter. The restrictions (in the order) may hinder the purpose of the yatra," a senior Congress leader told PTI.
"We have less than four days left for the flagging off of the Yatra and arrangements have to be made at the venue. We will soon take the decision on whether to consider the terms set by Manipur government or to choose another place," he added.
The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' foot march, covering over 6,713 km, will traverse through 110 districts, approximately 100 Lok Sabha seats, and 337 assembly segments.
The journey will conclude in Mumbai, Maharashtra, after traversing through various states, including Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.