SC allows JKNPP leader to assess ground situation in J&K

New Delhi, Aug 26 (PTI) Supreme Court today allowed Jammuand Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) leader Bhim Singh,who has sought imposition of Governor’s rule in the troubledstate, to visit Srinagar and assess the "ground reality"there. "We are not stopping you from talking to local people orHurriyat. It is a free country and anyone can to talk toanyone but we will not give you any license or authorizationfor your political angle," the bench of Chief Justice T SThakur said, adding that he should tell the court about theground situation in schools, colleges and hospitals. The court said the senior lawyer cannot just say thatGovernor’s rule under section 92 of the Constitution of Jammuand Kashmir is the only panacea for everything and should filea reply to the Centre’s affidavit on the ground situation inthe state. The bench also said if anyone tries to incite the peopleor create law and order problem, then it can put them behindbars. When Singh said he wanted to speak to local people andgroups like Hurriyat Conference, the bench said it was a freecountry and anyone could talk to anyone but warned him againstmaking political statements. The bench directed solicitor general Ranjit Kumar toarrange for the visit of the activist lawyer and allow him tomeet local people, divisional commissioner and deputycommissioner, so that he can assess the situation by himselfand submit a report. The bench, also comprising A M Khanwilkar and D YChandrachud, asked the Centre to facilitate his visit afterthe senior lawyer said he had been stopped 52 times fromentering the state. "No one will stop you. If anyone stops then you can comeback here and tell us. Centre will arrange for your visit andyou can meet the people there and you can meet divisionalcommissioner and deputy commissioner so that you can assessthe situation," the bench said. Kumar said he will find out how the JKNPP leader wasstopped from entering the state and assured that he will notbe restricted. Earlier, the apex court had said that the ongoing troublein Kashmir should be "dealt with politically" as everythingcannot be managed within judicial parameters. (More) PTI MNLABA RKSARC