Rahul Gandhi was stopped over grenade attack threat on his travel route, says Manipur cop
2 min read 29 Jun 2023, 03:43 PM ISTRahul Gandhi's convoy was stopped over grenade attack threat on his travel route, says Manipur cop
PremiumRahul Gandhi's carcade was stopped from going to violence-hit areas by road as there was a possibility of a grenade attack on the Congress leader's travel route, Bishnupur SP told ANI on Wednesday. Rahul Gandhi's carcade was stopped from moving forward in Bishnupur after which, the Congress leader returned to Imphal. Rahul Gandhi is now likely to take a chopper to Churachandpur.
The Bishnupur SP has said that Rahul Gandhi was stopped seeing the ground situation in the areas he was supposed to visit. Manipur news LIVE updates
Bishnupur SP Heisnam Balram Singh said, “Seeing the ground situation, we stopped him [Rahul Gandhi] from moving forward and advised him to travel to Churachandpur via helicopter. There is a possibility of a grenade attack along the highway through which VIP Rahul Gandhi is moving. Keeping his security and safety in mind, we didn't allow him."
CONGRESS PROTESTS
Police, party workers and locals staged a protest after Rahul Gandhi's convoy was halted. Tear gas was used by the local police on demonstrators - some of whom wanted Rahul Gandhi to proceed to Churanchandpur, while others opposed his visit.
"Seeing the ongoing situation in the State, we have stopped the VIPs from proceeding. They can go to places wherever they want by helicopter. If the police actions have been taken otherwise, it is not our problem," a police official was quoted as saying.
Congress, meanwhile, has attacked the Manipur authorities for politicising Rahul Gandhi's visit to the violence-hit state.
K Meghachandra, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee President, said, “People are standing on the roads to welcome Rahul Gandhi but Bishnupur SP, ASP, ADM and other police officials are blocking the roads. I have heard that there were instructions given by Manipur CM to block the roads. They are politicising this. They are only saying that the law and order situation is not good and are not allowing us to move ahead."
