The Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY), led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Friday entered Kashmir where it will conclude on January 30.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra has been suspended for the rest of the day on Friday after the Congress alleged a ‘serious’ lapse in security in Jammu and Kashmir. Rahul Gandhi and the yatris participating in the Yatra were denied security cover in Banihal, several party leaders alleged.
In a press conference, Gandhi said he had to cancel his walk for the day because police arrangements unfortunately “completely collapsed”. Police personnel who were supposed to manage the crowd were nowhere to be seen, the former he said. “It’s the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s responsibility to provide security… I hope security will now be ensured for remaining days of the yatra,” Gandhi, who started his Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kanyakumari in September and ends it in Srinagar on January 30, said
People in thousands who were waiting to receive Rahul Gandhi, joined the Yatra near the Banihal tunnel that leads to the Valley.
Former chief minister and vice president of National Conference (NC), Omar Abdullah drove to Banihal town where he joined Rahul.
Interestingly, Omar Abdullah also wore a white T-shirt to match Rahul who has all along the BJY been sporting a white T-shirt.
Local Congress leaders G.A.Mir and Raman Bhalla received Rahul Gandhi when he reached the Valley after crossing the Banihal tunnel.
The footmarch started from Kanyakumari in September 2021 and will end in Srinagar on January 30.
The conclusion of the Yatra will be marked by a public rally at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium in Srinagar which will be addressed by Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi during the phase has said the Bharat Jodo Yatra had not been planned for political returns and that its sole purpose was to convince the people that India would suffer irreparable damage if it continued on its current path.
