Former BJP leader Yashwant Sinha reached the Srinagar airport on Tuesday but was not allowed to enter the city which is under communication clampdown and restrictions. He had to return to Delhi. Sinha arrived at the Srinagar airport along with former air vice-marshal Kapil Kak and social activist Sushoba Bhave on Tuesday afternoon. Surprised on seeing Sinha deboarding a flight from Delhi, airport officials and the police immediately escorted him to the VIP lounge as there was no information about whether to allow him to enter the city.

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Former FM stopped at Srinagar Airport

The 81-year-old Sinha was politely asked to return as he was not allowed to enter the city which has been witnessing restrictions and clampdown on the communication network. Sinha argued with the officials to show him the order under which he was not allowed to enter the city, the officials said. He was reluctant even to board a return flight and conveyed to the state officials that he would stay put at the airport until he was allowed to enter the city, the officials said. The valley has been under clampdown since the abrogation of article 370.

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Sinha returns to Delhi

The state administration and police officials finally managed to persuade his accompanying team members, following which Sinha was put on the last flight of the day to Delhi and sent back. Kak and Bhave were allowed to move into the city. Meanwhile, Ghulam Nabi Azad has been allowed to visit the Valley by the Supreme Court on Monday. CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury too has been allowed to visit a fellow party leader in Kashmir.

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Opposition tries to visit Kashmir

Earlier on August 24, an Opposition delegation led by Rahul Gandhi attempted to visit Srinagar inspite of the local authorities requesting to not do so. The delegation was detained at Srinagar airport and had asked the Opposition leaders to return back.  On returning to Delhi, Rahul Gandhi continued to fearmonger about the ground reality of Kashmir. Gandhi questioned why they were not allowed to enter if the situation was normal, as stated by the government. He expressed his wish to visit any area and speak with a few residents.

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(With PTI inputs)