Rahul prevented from entering Saharanpur
SAHARANPUR:Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday attempted to visit the violence-hit Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, but was prevented from entering by the district administration.
Gandhi, who interacted with the people affected by the clashes at the district border, blamed the Prime Minister Narendra Modiled Union government for rising communal tension.
Recent clashes between Dalit and Thakur communities have left three people dead and scores injured in this west UP city.
“Dalits are being crushed not only in Saharanpur but all over the country and the BJP-led Centre is responsible,” he said.
Gandhi met two Dalit brothers Badal and Sawan, whose hut was attacked in May 9 violence, and sought to assure there would be a fair probe into the incident. The Dalit families had come all the way from Shabbirpur, the epicentre of the current caste clashes.
Gandhi also blamed Modi and the ruling BJP for stoking “antinational” forces and unrest in Kashmir. “Whenever Kashmir is peaceful, India is happy. When Kashmir is restive, Pakistan is happy,” he said.
District magistrate Pramod Singh, who denied the permission, said political leaders would be allowed to visit the affected areas only after normalcy returns.
“I wanted to go to Saharanpur but was told law and order could deteriorate. I have been assured that when the situation normalizes, I will be allowed to visit them,” said Gandhi, who was accompanied by senior party leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Raj Babbar and PL Punia.