Congress defends Rahul's visit to Naxal-dominated tribal hamlet

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) The Congress today justified the action of its young leader Rahul Gandhi in visiting Naxalite-infested areas of Orissa during his recent four-day tour of the state, saying "he was trying to get feedback from the people by going to them as close as possible." AICC Spokesman Shakeel Ahmed told mediapersons that the Party was aware of the complaint of the Orissa government that he had gone to the tribal areas without security protection from the state government.

"There should be liberty for an individual...There should not be any restriction against or vigilance on any individual," he said, referring to the furore in the Lok Sabha following the members of the ruling BJD from Orissa raising the issue during Zero Hour.

On the allegation of the BJD members that the Special Protection Group (SPG), which was providing security to Mr Gandhi, asked the state police not to follow his car, Mr Ahmed said "the national security agency had been tasked to take care of Mr Gandhi.

Therefore, it is for them to decide what type of security should be provided to him." UNI SH SB KN1751