The Manipur government on Wednesday approved the venue for the flagging off of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur, however, with “limited number of participants”.
The approval by the Manipur government came eight days after the Congress approached it for flagging off the yatra from Hapta Kangjeibung ground in the Imphal East district.
The order issued by the Imphal East district magistrate’s office said, “Only flagging off of the Yatra with limited number of participants is hereby allowed on January 14 to prevent any untoward incident and disturbance in law and order. The number and name of the participants shall be provided in advance to this office to enable this office to take up all necessary precautionary measures.”
The order further said that the Imphal East district superintendent of police (DSP) has submitted a report stating that a huge crowd is expected during the opening ceremony of ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ at the venue. In view of prevailing law and order situation in the state, the huge gathering may create law and order problems.
“Moreover prohibition under Section 144 Cr Pc is also in force in Imphal East district,” it added.
Earlier in the day, the BJP-led state government declined permission for the 66-day yatra which was set to be launched from Hatta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal East district.
“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,” Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra Singh told reporters after meeting Chief Minister Biren Singh.
He said that the Congress party will organise the rally at a private venue at Khongjom in Thoubal district. The rally will be flagged off by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.