‘Had a powerful feeling of homecoming’: Rahul Gandhi in Srinagar

Gandhi said he was not happy with what he saw in J&K; dares home minister Amit Shah to walk from Jammu to Srinagar if his ‘normalcy’ claims are true

Rahul Gandhi interacts with media in Srinagar on Sunday, 29 Jan
Rahul Gandhi interacts with media in Srinagar on Sunday, 29 Jan
user

NH Web Desk

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that he experienced a "powerful feeling of homecoming” during his journey through Jammu and Kashmir, after he unfurled the tricolour at Srinagar’s historic Lal Chowk.

The Congress leader also underlined that people of J&K must not be denied democratic process and statehood should be restored.

"A strange idea came to my mind... my family came from Jammu and Kashmir and moved to Allahabad and now I was doing a reverse journey. It was a powerful feeling of homecoming," Gandhi said as his 3,750 km Bharat Jodo Yatra reached its culmination.

Gandhi said he was humbled by the love and affection he received in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference, Gandhi said he has come to Jammu and Kashmir with an open heart and open arms to help people in whatever way he can.

"Love, affection and listening, I believe, are powerful forces. I don't want to comment on the historical aspect of it, I want to look forward and I (have) come here with an open heart ... and open arms to help in whatever way I can," Gandhi told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi hoisted the national flag at the city's iconic Lal Chowk after concluding his foot march.

Responding to several questions about the restoration of statehood, the Congress leader said it should be the first step taken in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Statehood and restoration of democratic process is a fundamental and very important first step. The other steps will come later and I do not necessarily have to comment on it here," he said, referring to a question about holding talks with Pakistan.

"All states have an assembly. Democratic process is the right of the people and it should be restored in Jammu and Kashmir. A solution should be found for the people of Ladakh as well," he added.

Gandhi said he was not happy with what he saw in Jammu and Kashmir.

"When I entered Jammu and Kashmir, I met people from Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir areas of the region. No one that I met -- and I met farmers, students, youth, businessmen -- seemed to be happy or excited about what is happening here," he added.

Can Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Srinagar?

Asked about the BJP's claims about the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Gandhi said bomb blasts and targeted killings are still taking place in the union territory.

"If it (security) had improved, then the security people would not have had the conversations that they had with me.

"If what they claim is the case, then why doesn't the BJP hold a rally from Jammu to Lal Chowk? If the situation is so good, then why doesn't Amit Shah walk from Jammu to Kashmir? I don't think that argument holds," he added.

Asked about the issues raised by people during the Jammu and Kashmir leg of the Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi said most of the issues were similar to the rest of the country like inflation and unemployment.

"Statehood, representation and voice of people was another set of issues that came up here," he said.

In response to a question about the revocation of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019, Gandhi said the Congress Working Committee has already made its stand clear on the issue.

Article 370 granted special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was revoked by the Centre on August 5, 2019.

Listen to the full press conference here:

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google News, Instagram 

Join our official telegram channel (@nationalherald) and stay updated with the latest headlines