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The Manipur government’s refusal to grant permission for the Imphal East venue for the Congress party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra,’ scheduled to commence on January 14 and led by Rahul Gandhi, has sparked controversy. The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president, Keisham Megachandra, expressed disappointment, deeming the state government’s decision as an “unfortunate” infringement on people’s rights.
According to Megachandra, the MPCC sought permission from Chief Minister N Biren Singh for the ‘Bharat Joro Nyay Yatra’ at Hatta Kangjeibung in the Imphal East district, where the rally is intended to commence. However, the chief minister declined to grant permission, leading to criticism from the Congress leader.
Describing the situation as “very unfortunate,” Megachandra characterized it as a “murder of democracy” and a blatant violation of people’s rights, considering the proposed venue is a public ground. The denial of permission raises concerns about the democratic process and the ability of political parties to exercise their right to organize public events.
The ‘Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra’ is an ambitious journey covering 6,713km by buses and on foot, spanning 110 districts, 100 Lok Sabha seats, and 337 assembly segments over 66 days. Scheduled to conclude in Mumbai on March 20, the yatra aims to engage with citizens across the country and address pressing issues.
The backdrop to this controversy includes the eruption of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March.’ The march was organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, leading to tensions and subsequent clashes.
The denial of permission for the yatra raises questions about the balance between political activities and administrative decisions, highlighting the delicate interplay between democratic rights and governance considerations. As the situation unfolds, it underscores the challenges political parties may face in exercising their fundamental right to organize public events, especially in regions with historical tensions and complex socio-political dynamics.
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