There is nobody to speak for people of Jammu and Kashmir: Gulam Nabi Azad

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad says he didn't ask permission to meet his family members in Jammu and Kashmir but to see the plight of lakhs of people who work as daily wagers. He was of the view that there was no one to speak for them as opposition leaders were detained in their houses.

New Delhi: Expressing happiness and gratitude towards the Supreme Court for allowing him to visit Jammu and Kashmir, senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday said his proposed visit was to find out how people associated with various businesses were surviving in the present situation of isolation from the entire world.

Addressing media persons here, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister said there are lakhs of people who work as daily wagers and the lock-down in the region has made life really difficult for them.

"There is nobody who can speak for them as the central government has detained political leaders of all parties except those of the BJP," he said, adding that he would go there and analyze how people are surviving in these difficult times.

"The daily wagers, who are associated different businesses, there are sitting idle as work has been badly affected because of the lock-down," he said, and expressed concern asking the government to make some arrangements for them.

He also refuted reports that he had asked permission to meet his family members.

"These are baseless reports. It's true that I have my sisters, brothers and other relatives living there but I did not seek permission just to meet them," he said.

Azad said it would have been better if he was allowed to visit the entire region but he was still happy that at least he has got the chance to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

"I have tried to go there earlier also but state authorities did not allow me to do so. I had to come back from the airport there," he said, adding that his demand was based on "humanitarian issues" and he would look into all issues and submit the report to the top court as desired by it.

Earlier in the day, the Congress leader was granted permission to visit four districts Srinagar, Jammu, Baramulla, Anantnag of Jammu and Kashmir -- to meet the people. The Supreme Court has also directed the Congress leader to not indulge in any political rally.