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India’s Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi Engages in Verbal Duel With Governor of Jammu and Kashmir

© AFP 2023 / Anupam NathCongress party president Rahul Gandhi speaks at an election campaign rally in Bokakhat, Assam, India, Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Congress party president Rahul Gandhi speaks at an election campaign rally in Bokakhat, Assam, India, Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - Sputnik International
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New Delhi (Sputnik): The Governor of India’s Jammu and Kashmir engaged with opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in a verbal duel over the situation in the state, with the former inviting Gandhi to visit Kashmir to see for himself the reality on the ground there.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Wednesday accepting Malik's invitation, but said, only with no strings attached.

The barb between the two started on Sunday 11 August, when the former Congress President said, “reports of unrest are emanating from Jammu and Kashmir, where the government has imposed a media and communications blackout.” He had asked the government to “take urgent steps to ensure the safety of every citizen and lift the veil of secrecy”.

Malik, in a mocking response, told Rahul Gandhi that he would send an aircraft for him to visit Kashmir to take stock.

"I have invited Rahul Gandhi to come here. I will send you a plane to observe [the situation] and then speak up. You are a responsible person, and you should not speak like this," Malik said.

In response Rahul Gandhi said, he doesn't need an aircraft- only to be allowed to visit Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, "ensure us the freedom to travel and meet the people, mainstream leaders and soldiers".

On 5 August, India announced its decision to amend Article 370 and 35A of the Constitution, repealing the special status, and splitting the territory into two federally administered enclaves Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The government also imposed prohibitory orders, snapped internet and mobile communications and closed schools and educational institutions. Educational institutions have since reopened, and curfews have been relaxed on a selective basis.

The state has been witnessing unrest for almost four decades, which India claims is ignited by Pakistan. Kashmir has been a bone of contention between the two countries since they gained freedom from British colonial rule in 1947. Both govern the region in parts but claim it in full. They also fought two wars over Kashmir.

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