Congress' 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' led by Rahul Gandhi on Saturday entered Arunachal Pradesh from Assam. The Yatra, which began from Manipur on January 14, will culminate on March 20 in Mumbai, as reported by news agency PTI. As the Yatra entered the north eastern state, the grand old party attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre over the border issue with China.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh claimed that PM Modi's statement that no one entered Indian territory nor were Indian posts taken over has weakened the country's position in talks with China.
"PM Modi's statement was not only an insult to our 20 martyred soldiers but because of that clean chit, China is showing aggressive attitude in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh," he posted on X in Hindi.
"The PM proudly says that he has met Chinese President Xi Jinping 18 times. But what was its effect? Cheap Chinese imports are increasing and millions of small businesses, which used to provide 90 per cent of employment, have closed. Every half hour, an unemployed youth is committing suicide," Ramesh alleged.
Gandhi was received by Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Nabam Tuki at the Gumto check gate in Papum Pare district, where the flag handover ceremony was held.
The flag handover ceremony was held between Tuki and Assam Pradesh Congress Committee president Bhupen Borah in the presence of senior party leaders from both the states. Speaking on the occasion, the Congress leader thanked the people for the warm welcome. Gandhi proceeded to Doimukh along with hundreds of party workers, where he would address a public rally.
From Doimukh, the Wayanad MP would reach Naharlagun by bus and interact with street vendors, PTI reported, citing party sources. From there, Gandhi would move towards Nyokum Lapang from where he would embark on a foot march to the Malo Tarin government higher secondary school ground to address a public rally.
According to PTI, Gandhi is set to address a press conference at Itanagar on Saturday. He will leave the state capital on Sunday morning through Hollongi.
Elaborate Security Arrangements For Arunachal Leg Of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Arunachal Pradesh leg of the yatra. Papum Pare SP Taru Gusar said adequate security arrangements have been made for the proposed yatra in the district through which Gandhi will enter the state Capital.
"Route lining from Gumto check gate to SDO ground at Doimukh, has been made and the areas where Gandhi would stop and address the public, have been sanitised", the SP said, as quoted by PTI. Forces have been deployed and briefed thoroughly, he added.
Speaking to PTI, Capital SP Rohit Rajbir Singh said that in Itanagar, adequate security personnel have been deployed in two places - Mallo Tarin government higher secondary school ground where Gandhi will address a public meeting, and at Chimpu, where the Congress leader will halt at night.
Security has also been beefed up along the NH-415 from Nyokum Lapang area to Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, where Gandhi will hold a foot march, the SP added.