IT News
Imphal, Jan 15:
On the second day of the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra which kicked off from Khongjom in Thoubal district yesterday, Former AICC chief Rahul Gandhi said that the Congress stands with the people of Manipur and wants to restore peace and harmony in the state. He made these remarks while interacting with the people at Sekmai today.
Gandhi started the yatra in a custom-made Volvo bus and also walked for some distance, meeting people and inquiring about their problems. Along the Yatra route, several people, including women and children, lined up and cheered for Gandhi as his bus passed through busy areas.
The Congress leader today proceeded towards Kangpokpi district where a public meeting will be held at Thomas ground of Kangpokpi. Later, after the meeting, the Yatra proceeded towards Senapati district where he was received by a large number of people.
Addressing the people from atop his bus in Senapati, Gandhi mentioned that the Congress had previously conducted a yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir with the aim of bringing the people of India together. He described it as a successful yatra, covering over 4,000 km on foot. Gandhi stated that they wanted to do another yatra from east to west, and they decided to start it from Manipur to give people a sense of the difficulties and struggles faced by the people of Manipur. He assured the people that the Congress fully supports them and wants to restore peace and harmony in Manipur.
Gandhi also mentioned that he has been in conversation with delegations from Manipur who have shared the issues faced by the people. He expressed hope that peace would return to Manipur soon.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh provided an update on the yatra, stating that it began with a flag hoisting ceremony by Seva Dal and the PCC President of Manipur, Meghachandra K. The yatra will move from Sekmai to Kangpokpi and then Senapati in Manipur before finally halting in Nagaland at night.
The yatra started on Sunday from Manipur, which has been affected by violence. Gandhi emphasized that the Congress will present a new vision for India based on harmony, brotherhood, and equity, free from hatred, violence, and monopoly.
At a rally in Thoubal on Sunday, Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not visiting Manipur during the ethnic violence and promised justice for the people.
The ethnic violence, which began in May last year, has resulted in more than 180 deaths and displaced thousands of people.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra will pass through 100 Lok Sabha constituencies in 15 states, covering a distance of 6,713 km. It will primarily be conducted by buses but will also involve some walking. The yatra will conclude in Mumbai on March 20 or 21.
