The Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, has officially declared a modification in the venue for their upcoming 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Manipur. Initially slated to commence from Imphal's Hapta Kangjeibung, the yatra will now kick off from Khongjom village in Thoubal district on January 14.
This alteration in plans has not occurred without its share of controversy. Former Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi asserted that the ruling government, helmed by N Biren Singh, resorted to 'tactics' aimed at causing delays in the yatra. Ibobi claimed that Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief K Meghachandra had sought security approval on January 2, but the state's Home department failed to provide clear guidance.
AICC Manipur in-charge Girish Chodankar expressed the opinion that the state government's actions suggest a degree of 'nervousness' and hinted at being 'scared' of Rahul Gandhi. Despite days of withholding ground clearance for the yatra, the state government eventually granted permission on January 10, albeit with certain conditions. The directive from Manipur's Home Department stipulated that the yatra be allowed with a limited number of participants, with their names submitted in advance.
Chodankar highlighted the ambiguity in the notifications issued by the Home Department regarding the permissible number of participants. The varying statements indicated that in one instance, 1,000 participants would be allowed, while in another, the number was revised to 3,000 individuals.
The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,' spanning over 6,700 kilometers and 66 days, covering 110 districts, is scheduled to conclude in Mumbai on March 20. Rahul Gandhi, during this yatra, aims to address issues of peace and justice across the country.
In response to the political dynamics at play, Girish Chodankar emphasized that Chief Minister Biren Singh's primary focus should be on Manipur rather than party politics. The Congress party urged the Manipur government to utilize the yatra as a means to restore peace in the violence-affected state.
Chodankar further clarified that the yatra is not merely a political endeavor associated with the Congress party but is, in fact, a walk for peace and justice for the entire Indian populace. O Ibobi echoed these sentiments, asserting that the 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' transcends party lines, inviting individuals from all sections of society, irrespective of their political affiliations, to participate and contribute to the collective pursuit of peace and justice in the region.
