The Manipur Government on Wednesday declined permission for the proposed 66-day ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ to be launched from Imphal by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, citing the prevailing situation in the state.
The state Congress party had formally submitted a written application on January 2 seeking permission to launch the rally on January 14 from Hatta Kangjeibung ground, Imphal East district.
However, with the state remaining silent on the request, a team of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) led by its president K Meghachandra Singh met Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday.
“The Chief Minister has declined to issue the ‘ground permission’ for launching the rally scheduled on January 14. The only reason he gave was the fragile law and order situation,” Meghachandra Singh told reporters after meeting CM Biren Singh.
The state Congress president, who termed the government’s response as very unfortunate, said “It is a murder of democracy. It is not only a violation of people’s rights but also the political rights of India, particularly the people of Manipur”.
AICC president Mallikarjun Kharghe will flag off the rally which is set to culminate in Mumbai on March 20 after covering 14 states and 85 districts. At the rally that will cover 6,713 kilometres there will be a foot march and bus rides.
On Tuesday, the CM said that the decision to grant permission to use the ground in Imphal East district was under active consideration.
After receiving reports from various security agencies, the government would decide on it, Biren had said.
Chodankar urged CM Biren Singh to prioritise Manipur’s peace over party politics, emphasising the significance of the rally for restoring peace.
