Pratik Das, Pune
Rahul Gandhi started the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in Manipur on Sunday afternoon, highlighting the perceived injustices faced by Indians. He expressed a commitment of restoring the cherished values of peace, harmony and affection that Manipur always had.
Addressing to a large audience of approximately 20,000 in Khongjom, Thoubal district, Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the 66 days, 6,713 km Yatra from Manipur to Mumbai passing through 15 states is arranged in response to what he perceived as significant injustices affecting Indians across social, economic, and political spheres.
In his 12-minute address, Rahul Gandhi says “Injustice against the people of Manipur, the traditions of Manipur, but also injustice across the nation.”
It was about to start at 1:30 pm but got delayed due to fog. The leaders, expected between 12:00 pm and 12:30 pm, arrived late from Delhi, resulting in the flag-off occurring at 4:30 pm.
A lively assembly of thousands, predominantly comprising Congress supporters from Thoubal and its vicinity, along with local party officials, congregated at the location—an individual parcel of land adjacent to the Khongjom War Memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the 1891 Anglo-Manipuri War. Rahul Gandhi paid his respects to the Manipuri martyrs at the memorial during the event.
Rahul Gandhi remarked that the observations and experiences from his visit to Manipur in June, which occurred just weeks after the violence on May 3, were unprecedented in his political career.
I have been in politics since 2004 but for the first time I went to a state where there was a complete collapse of the governance infrastructure…. There was hatred in every corner, lakhs of people suffered — brothers, sisters, parents got killed — but till today the PM of India has not visited Manipur to wipe your tears or to hold your hands in these difficult times. He said.
Rahul Gandhi mentioned that there was deliberation on the starting point for the Nyay Yatra, but he had stucked in his decision to commence it from Manipur. He asserted that the state’s situation served as a distinctive manifestation of BJP’s politics.
He added: Everyone on this stage comprehend the pain experienced by the people of Manipur. We acknowledge the suffering, loss, and sadness you’ve endured. We assure you and pledge our commitment to restore what you hold dear – the harmony, peace, and affection that has traditionally defined this state.
In the presence of state Congress presidents, members of the Congress Working Committee, and chief ministers, Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the Yatra.
Prior to Rahul Gandhi’s address, the Congress president conveyed that the Yatra’s objective was to thwart fascist forces, safeguard democracy and the Constitution, and forge a brighter future for upcoming generations.
Nine parties within the INDIA bloc in Manipur, which includes the JDU and the Shiv Sena (UBT), offered their backing to the rally. On Sunday, the Yatra traversed approximately 50km by bus, progressing from Khongjom to Sekmai in Imphal West. The yatra is scheduled to enter into Nagaland on Monday evening.