Cong opts private land as Govt curbs 'Yatra' participants
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 10 2024:
Even though the state government refused permission for pre-launch public rally at Hapta Kangjeibung, MPCC president K Meghachandra has said that the Rahul Gandhi-led 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' will be flagged off from a private land opposite to Khongjom war memorial complex, Khongjom.
A team of MPCC led by president K Meghachandra met chief minister N Bi ren Singh at latter's official residence at 11am on Wednesday to enquire about the permission requested for kick-off of the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from Hapta Kangjeibung.
After meeting the chief minister, Meghachandra told media persons at the gate of CM's bungalow that the party approached authority concerned on January 2 for granting permission for launching 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from Hapta Kangjeibung.
As no response came from the government even after nine days of submitting the formal application, a team of MPCC met the chief minister for confirmation wherein the latter denied permission citing prevailing situation in the state, Meghachandra said and termed denial of the permission as very unfortunate.
While reiterating that 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' is a peace rally and not a political one as even party's flag will not be displayed in the rally, K Meghachandra said that MPs, CMs and ministers from other states will take part in the rally but will not annoy the government.
Nevertheless, the chief minister refused to grant permission citing prevailing situation in the state, he added.
Responding to a query, K Meghachandra said that preparations have been made to flag off the rally from a private land at Khongjom in Thoubal district just opposite to Khongjom war memorial complex and hectic preparations are underway, day and night.
To another query raised by media persons, the MPCC president said that chief minister N Biren Singh repeatedly claims of improving law and order situation in the state but denial of persmission for launching 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' from Hapta Kangjeibung contradicts CM's claim and confirmation that there is no improvement of law and order in the state.
He also said that government has violated constitutional rights of the people and there is no democracy in the state thereby increasing the necessity for organising 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra'.
K Meghachandra was accompanied by MPCC working president K Devdutta, vice president Hareshwar Goswami and spokesperson N Bhupenda during the meeting with the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, few hours after the Congress leaders announced CM Biren's decision to turn down request to use the Hapta Kangjeibung for launching the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', the state Home Department asked the District Magistrate of Imphal East to give limited permission to the Congress to initiate the January 14 event.
The Imphal East district administration in an order said.
"........considering the prevailing law and order situation and circumstances, only flagging off of the yatra with a limited number of participants, is hereby allowed on January, 14, 2024 to prevent any untoward incident and disturbance in law and order.
The number and names of the participants shall be provided in advance to this office to enable this office to take all necessary precautionary measures" .
According to the letter by Joint Secretary (Home) Dr Mayengbam Veto Singh addressed to Imphal East district magistrate, regarding the application submitted by MPCC general secretary to use sound system (PA) for public meeting at Hapta Kangjeibung as part of 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra" from 10 am to 4 pm, the state government has provided permission to flag off the yatra only with a limited number of participants.
The letter further said that report of agencies concerned mentioned that the matter is sensitive and needs special attention at this juncture specially in the context of the prevailing law and order situation.
Moreover, on the same day, the state function of Commemoration of Armed Forces Veterans' Day will be conducted atlst MR Banquet hall with the chief minister as chief guest along with the attendance of senior ministers, MLAs, high ranking government officials and police and security forces officials.
As such, the state government has granted permission for only a limited number of participants.
Any assistance required in controlling any untoward incidents may be sought from the state authorities, the letter mentioned.