The Congress’ Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi has been flagged off from Khongjom in Thoubal district, Manipur around 4:30 pm. The launch was delayed by around two hours because the flight that ferried the party leaders from Delhi to Imphal got delayed because of the dense fog conditions in the Country’s Capital.

On arriving at Khongjom, Gandhi and other leaders including Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal visited the War Memorial where they paid respects to the warriors of the Anglo-Manipuri War of 1891.

Before the start of the program, a moment of silence was observed as a tribute to all the people who have lost their lives in the ethnic violence in Manipur since 3 May 2023.

AICC President Mallikarjuna Kharge, in his speech, thanked the people of Manipur for fighting for the independence of the country that contributed towards the unity of the country. He also appealed the people to stand with Rahul Gandhi and show strength as he embarks on the 6700 km across 15 states from Manipur to Mumbai. Earlier, he had unveiled the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra Bus.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that the turmoil in Manipur are because of the ideology and politics of the BJP and the RSS. “We understand the pain that the people of Manipur have been through,” he said and assured that the Congress will bring back the harmony, peace and affection that the state has always been known for.

Gandhi also said that the yatra will raise issue of social, economic and political injustice in India. He said Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is less about him and more about the people.

The yatra will reach the Khuzama in Kohima District, Nagaland on 15th January 2023.