The Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday visited the Lal Ded Hospital in Srinagar to interact with the patients and locals in order to assess the situation prevailing in Jammu & Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370. On his second day of the four-day trip, Azad visited the hospital on Saturday afternoon and inquired about the welfare of patients, officials said. Azad had reached Srinagar on Friday on his very first visit after the revocation of J&K's special status.

The Congress leader also visited the Tourist Reception Centre and interacted with the members of Kashmir Houseboat Owners' Association. Azad's visit became possible after the Supreme Court allowed him to visit the state. His three earlier bids to reach Srinagar had failed as he had been turned back from the airport.

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SC allows Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Valley

On September 16 the CJI-led bench had allowed senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad to visit Srinagar, Baramulla, Jammu. A notice had also been issued on the same. The bench was hearing to Azad's plea stating his wish to visit the Valley. Senior Advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Azad had stated that the former J&K CM had been stopped thrice from visiting the valley. Azad assured the Court that he will not hold any speeches in the specific areas and just wants to meet the people.

After being assured of the same, the CJI permitted Azad's visit. CJI Ranjan Gogoi said, "He will not make any speeches or hold any public rally as per his own submissions", as per reports.

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Azad reveals petition details

Earlier, talking about the details of his petition, the former J&K Chief Minister said that it was based on humanitarian grounds, not political grounds. He said he was representing 18 categories of Kashmir residents whose livelihood has been hit due to the restrictions. He highlighted that these people were daily wage workers who were struggling for survival. "I wish to thank Dr. Singhvi and other advocates who wrote the petition. My petition was different than others as it was not political, but humanitarian. I have said whatever I want on the politics in the Lok Sabha. We talk about freedom of speech and business freedom. But these are relevant only if one is alive. Hence, I have raised my voice on behalf of thousands of Kashmiris," he added.

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(with PTI inputs)