J&K: Rights activist stopped at airport

The J&K government on Saturday prevented human rights activist Gautam Navlakha from entering the Kashmir valley. Navlakha was stopped at the Srinagar International Airport and asked to return to Delhi. However,as return flights had already departed,Navlakha was detained at the airport. He will be sent back on Sunday.

In view of an apprehension of any breach of public peace and tranquility,the District Magistrate Budgam has restricted the movement of a social activist Gautam Navalkha, said Budgam SP Uttam Chand.

The Editorial Consultant of Economic and Political Weekly,Navlakha is also the convener of International Peoples Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir. This is for the first time that an Indian human rights activist has not been allowed entry into Kashmir.

Human rights groups in valley have condemned the government action.