Manipur govt clears Congress yatra kick-off, limits participation

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 said the Imphal East DSP has submitted a report stating that a huge crowd is expected during the opening ceremony of the yatra at the venue, which may create issues in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state.

“Moreover, prohibition under Section 144 CrPC is also in force in the district,” it added. Prohibitory orders have been in force in the area since the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur broke out on May 3. The violence has claimed about 185 lives and left hundreds injured.

The Manipur government approval came eight days after the Congress approached it for flagging off the yatra from the Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal. During the press meet at the AICC headquarters, Venugopal and Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh released a pamphlet and launched a website on the yatra. The Congress also launched a ‘Nyay Yodhas’ campaign, under which people can become yatra volunteers by leaving a missed call on a phone number.