Rahul Gandhi Kashmir visit: J&K situation terrifying, says Ghulam Nabi Azad

@RahulGandhi pic.twitter.com/f8mzgaskhx

Arun Kumar Singh (@arunsingh4775) August 24, 2019

Photo: ANI

Delegation of opposition leaders that went to SRINAGAR & was sent back from Srinagar airport in Budgam, writes a letter to Budgam District Magistrate: We record our strong objection to the basis of our detention, which prima facie is undemocratic&unconstitutional.#JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/toHa4HdYG4

ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

Rahul Gandhi: Some days ago I was invited by Governor to visit J&K.I accepted the invitation. We wanted to get a sense of what ppl are going through, but we weren't allowed beyond the airport. Press ppl with us were mishandled,beaten. It's clear that situation in J&K isn't normal pic.twitter.com/1XKyaUcg06

ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

We weren't allowed to go to the city, but the situation in J&K is terrifying. The stories we heard from the passengers of Kashmir present in our flight, would bring tears even to a stone: Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad

Delegation of opposition leaders comprising Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, D Raja, Sharad Yadav, Manoj Jha, Majeed Memon, and others that had gone to SRINAGAR & was sent back, arrives at Delhi airport. pic.twitter.com/KZAIQ4uVQK

ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

Delegation of opposition leaders comprising Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, D Raja, Sharad Yadav, Manoj Jha, Majeed Memon, and others that had gone to SRINAGAR & was sent back, arrives at Delhi airport.

It has been observed that from Aug 17 onwards, there has been a steady decline in incidents. However, the threat of cross-border terrorism continues to exist and relevant security forces are maintaining a state of high alert: Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary, Planning Commission

Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary, Planning Commission: Nearly 1500 primary schools & 1,000 middle schools were opened, although attendance continues to be very thin. Education Department will attempt to operationalise primary & middle schools pic.twitter.com/U0ZBm9TiXA

ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

Day-time restrictions have now been lifted from 69 police stations across the Kashmir valley. In Jammu division, the corresponding figure is 81 police stations without any day-time restrictions: J&K principal secretary

There is no need for him now, he was needed when his colleague was speaking in the Parliament. If he wants to aggravate the situation & come here to repeat the lie he told in Delhi, it is not good: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik on Rahul Gandhi & opposition leaders visiting SRINAGAR: I had invited him out of goodwill but he started doing politics, it was nothing but a political action by these people. Parties should keep in mind the national interest at these times. https://t.co/csGn48oQ0A

ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik said that Rahul Gandhi and the delegation that visited Srinagar should have spoken in Parliament "when their leader was speaking in Parliament". "It is indeed sad. The parties should give priority to the national interest in such situations," J&K Governor said.

Speaking of the situation in J&K, Governor Satya Pal Malik said that the government will slowly remove the restrictions. "Our Army is strong enough and well equipped to deal with ceasefire violations. We are working on the development of the villages," he said.

Criticising the Centre for stopping an opposition delegation led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi from visiting Srinagar, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the government instead itself should have sent an opposition leaders' team there to check the facts and win people's trust to its decision.

"The government itself should have sent a delegation of opposition leaders and let them check the things on ground themselves," Gehlot told reporters outside the Rajasthan assembly here.

"The opposition parties could have visited Srinagar and come back and told the truth to the whole country. It would have built confidence among people," he added.

Speaking to Aaj Tak TV, RJD leader Manoj Jha said that the government has claimed that the situation is normal and no major incident has happened and "we are going to see exactly the same".

The Rahul Gandhi-led Opposition delegation that landed in Srinagar around an hour ago has been sent back. The delegation comprises Rahul Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, D Raja, Sharad Yadav, Manoj Jha, Majeed Memon, and others. The Jammu and Kashmir administration had earlier asked the leaders not to visit as they would disrupt the restoration of normalcy.

India Today reporter Mausami Singh was manhandled, along with other journalists at the Srinagar airport.

When the media tried to approach Opposition leaders at the airport, police allegedly misbehaved with journalists.

As soon as the Opposition delegation reached Srinagar airport around 2 pm, the leaders and media were separated.

Rahul Gandhi led Opposition delegation comprising of 11 leaders from 8 parties has reached Srinagar. Reports say they are not being allowed to exit the airport.