Rahul Gandhi, Omar Abdullah Walked Just A Kilometre, Security Lapse Alleged

Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra in Kashmir was scrapped today with the Congress alleging "very serious security lapses".

Rahul Gandhi was to walk 20 km in the Kashmir Valley but had to stop after about a km in Banihal.

Congress leaders allege that as Rahul Gandhi walked into Kashmir valley, a sudden withdrawal of security caused the security breach and a large waiting crowd there breached security hold area.

A "sudden withdrawal of security personnel" caused a serious security breach, said Congress sources, adding that the Jammu and Kashmir administration mismanaged the crowds.

After Rahul Gandhi crossed the Banihal Tunnel on the way to Srinagar, a huge crowd and inadequate security forced the Congress leader to stop, said party leaders.

Rahul Gandhi couldn't move for about 30 minutes, Congress leaders said. He was taken away in a security vehicle and the party called off the yatra for today.

"The police drove off after we crossed Banihal Tunnel," said Congress leader KC Venugopal.

"There was no police for proper security of Rahul Gandhi and Omar Abdullah. There were very serious security lapses. Rahul Gandhi was going without any security. We are very concerned about the security aspect," Mr Venugopal said.

The march was stopped near Qazigund, the gateway to the Kashmir Valley.

Congress leader Rajni Patil tweeted that the administration "failed to provide security to the Bharat Jodo Yatra". "Security lapses indicate unfair and unprepared attitude of the UT administration," Mr Patil said.

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