Srinagar: Amid tight security Rahul Gandhi-led Bharat Jodo Yatra- resumed on Saturday morning from Awantipora sub-district of south Kashmir, officials said.
The rally which began from Chursoo village was joined by People Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti along with her daughter and mother. Rahul’s sister and Congress leader Priyana Gandhi is also scheduled to join the rally on Saturday.
The rally stopped briefly at the Lethpora – the spot where an explosive-laden vehicle driven by a local suicide bomber of Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed into a CRPF convoy on February 14, 2019, killing 40 of the personnel. The Lethpora attack had brought India and Pakistan at the brink of war.
Rahul stopped briefly at Lethpora to pay respects to CRPF personnel killed in the deadly attack.
Officials said the security along the Srinagar Jammu highway has been stepped up to ensure smooth Yatra in Kashmir. The Yatra has created a lot of buzz in Kashmir.
On Friday, Rahul had to halt the rally in Kashmir after allegations of “security lapses”. The J&K police had refuted allegations of failed security.
The Yatra on Saturday will halt near Birla Open Minds International School, Pampore, before proceeding towards Pantha Chowk in Srinagar.
The Bharat Jodo Yatra, which started in Kanyakumari on September 7, will conclude on January 30 in Srinagar.
Mufti’s joining the Rahul led Yatra evoked criticism from BJP.
“Will Rahul Gandhi apologise for rubbing shoulders with those who advocate two flags and two laws in J&K, or else he too supports the same. Hopeful Rahul tenders apology in Lal Chowk on January 30 for holding hands of those who oppose JK’s integration with Indian Union,” BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said.
