Imphal: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee disclosed on January 10 that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Manipur government has denied permission for the initiation of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra from Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound in Imphal East. Allegedly, Chief Minister N Biren Singh rejected the venue request, asserting that no public space would be allocated for the yatra. The Congress party condemned this denial, viewing it as a violation of people’s and political rights. Despite the setback, the Congress party opted to relocate the event to the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Thoubal.
MPCC President Keisham Meghachandra Singh deemed the refusal “very unfortunate” and underscored the yatra’s focus on addressing issues concerning youth and women, emphasizing social, political, and economic justice. Following the rejection, the Congress party secured an alternative location near the Khongjom War Memorial Complex in Thoubal. The yatra, spanning 15 states over 66 days from Manipur to Mumbai, is scheduled to kick off on January 14, covering a distance of 6,700 miles.
In response to the denial, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal criticized the government’s decision, emphasizing the non-political nature of the yatra and its commitment to bringing justice and peace to Manipur. Despite attempts to engage with the government, they were informed of the denied permission. The yatra is a part of the Congress party’s initiative to traverse multiple states from Manipur to Mumbai, addressing issues related to justice and social harmony.
