Yatra success shows public trust in Congress: Ibobi
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 17 2024:
While thanking the people of Manipur for their support to the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, former chief minister Okram Ibobi said that the grand success of the campaign shows the trust people have on the party.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhawan, here, on Wednesday, Ibobi apologised for the belatedly conduct of the launch event as Rahul Gandhi arrived late due to delay in departure of the flight from New Delhi, even as thousands of Congress supporters waited for long along the route as well as at the Khongjom venue.
Despite the hardships, it was the people of the state who made the launch event a grand success, he said, while valuing their support.
He reiterated that the campaign is neither a political event nor a platform to blame the government but is a rally for peace and social justice.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee sought permission from the state government for organising the launch event at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal.
Though permission was sought about one week ahead of the launch date, the government did not grant the permission.
On the bright side, the denial of permission by the government provide the perfect opportunity to flag off the yatra from the historic Khongjom War Memorial Complex, which makes the yatra more meaningful, the CLP leader said.
Joining the media briefing, MPCC president Keisham Meghachandra condoled the death of CDO personnel in Moreh and demanded the government to take up necessary actions to prevent further escalation of violence.
Since the government is responsible for protecting public lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order, it should be held accountable for the prevailing situation, he opined.
Meghachandra also described as unfortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the head of the country, has been remaining silent over the matter while terming failure of the government as the reason behind prolonging violence.
He also thanked the opposition parties, students, youth and different sections of the society for their support to the launch event of the Nyay Yatra for peace and social justice.
He clarified that there was no incident of Kuki people welcoming the Yatra team led by Rahul Gandhi with "Welcome to Kukiland" banner.
He also slammed the chief minister for his remark against the Yatra and his government's attempt to derail the campaign.
The Congress state president then thanked the land owners of the venue of the launch event in Khongjom, and Koujeng Leima Development Association of Awang Sekmai and the locals as well for providing their ground for spending the night.
He also thanked the supporters, who could not attend but expressed support through social media.