Sparks fly as Rahul Gandhi digs heels on Jammu and Kashmir
Rahul Gandhi and the Congress have been on warpath ever since the abrogation of Article 370. Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik revoked his invitation to Gandhi to visit Jammu and Kashmir on the grounds that his statements have provided fodder to the media and have the potential to hinder the Valley’s return to normalcy.
As Gandhi and the delegation accompanying him was restricted to the Sri Nagar airport on arrival, Malik said Rahul Gandhi is making “baseless statements” and politicizing his invitation. The governor said he wanted Rahul Gandhi to get a first-hand feel of the ground situation but he turned it into a never-ending issue instead. He warned Gandhi against making statements being used by Pakistan against India.
A delegation of Congress leaders under Rahul Gandhi visited Jammu and Kashmir on August 24 but was not allowed to step out of Srinagar airport. Eventually, they were sent back within an hour of landing. Rahul Gandhi said they visited the Valley in response to the governor’s invitation and wanted to interact with local residents to assess the ground situation but were not allowed beyond the airport. He said they were also roughed up. Gandhi maintained that the inputs they have been receiving indicated media and civilian clampdown. Also Read: "Tough situation, but good conversations", says Donald Trump after phone calls with PM Narendra Modi and Imran Khan
"We weren't allowed to go to the city, but the situation in J&K is terrifying," said Ghulam Nabi Azad, who accompanied Gandhi.
Political leaders and netizens feel that the state is on the boil and the ramifications of this decision will be far-reaching. It is imperative to maintain law and order and protect human lives in the Valley before the further strategy is chalked out. At this point, all measures and all statements should be directed at maintenance of law and order. A debate can come later. -PTC News
