Srinagar: As Rahul Gandhi entered the gateway town of Kashmir Valley, Qazigund; citing ‘security lapse,’ the Bharat Jodo Yatra was suspended at the Jawahar tunnel (which links Banihal-Qazigund) on Friday.
Bharat Jodo Yatra, which is due to conclude in Srinagar on January 30 was halted on Friday shortly after entering the Kashmir Valley at the Jawahar tunnel due to a ‘security breach’, the grand old party said.
However, the J&K Police said there was no security lapse and 'the organizers, managers of BJY (Bharat Jodo Yatra) didn't intimate about large gatherings.'
Congress's J&K President Vikar Rasool Giving Samavar (Kashmir's traditional copper flask) memento to Rahul Gandhi
Addressing press congress at Dak Bungalow in south Kashmir’s Anantnag town, congress leaders lashed out at the LG administration with Jairam Ramesh terming it “a big security breach” and said they hope proper security for the next two days.
"This morning, we had a huge crowd that had gathered. But unfortunately, the police arrangement completely collapsed. Cops who had to hold the crowd were nowhere to be seen. So my security people were very much concerned with me continuing. So I had to cancel my walk, while other people continued," Rahul Gandhi said at a briefing in Anantnag.
"I think it's very important that the police manage the crowd so we can continue the march. It's very difficult for me to go against what my security people are recommending," he added.
"I don't know why it happened but this should not happen tomorrow and the day after."
Gandhi was scheduled to lead the march for 16 km from Banihal to Anantnag, Jairam Ramesh told reporters, but he had to stop after 4 km.
The unite India foot march will resume from Pulwama’s Awantipora and will end at Pathachowk on the outskirts of Srinagar where Priyanka Gandhi will likely join on Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir Congress president Vikar Rasool said.
Earlier, National Conference’s Omar Abdullah joined Mr. Rahul in Banihal (the first town outside Jawahar tunnel) at the railway station in Ramban district and walked for about 2 km to the Truck Yard where Mr. Omar told Mr. Rahul that he was not aimed at improving his image but for improving the situation of the country while looking at the communal tensions and the condition of minorities.
“I do not want to delve into Congress' stand on the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. We will fight the case for the restoration of Article 370 in court. The way the government is dragging its feet on the hearing of the petition tells us that our case is very strong,” Omar told Rahul as the march paused at the Industrial Estate Vessu in Anantnag from where Rahul Gandhi reached Dak Bungalow, Anantnag, and Omar Abdullah left for Srinagar.