A group of 27 European Union legislators will visit Jammu & Kashmir on Tuesday to see the conditions prevailing there. The team met Prime Minister Narendra Modi (and reportedly National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval as well) today and discussed the situation prevailing in J&K since abrogation of Article 370 which had granted special status to the state.
The Centre in a statement released on Monday said that, “Prime Minister, while welcoming the delegation to India, expressed the hope that they have a fruitful visit to various parts of the country, including to Jammu and Kashmir. Their visit to Jammu and Kashmir should give the delegation a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the region of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh; apart from giving them a clear view of the development and governance priorities of the region.”
Congress’ Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter to express his resentment, stating, “When Indian political leaders have been prevented from meeting the people of J&K, what possessed the great chest-beating champion of nationalism to allow European politicians to visit J&K. This is an outright insult to India’s own Parliament and our democracy”.
Iltija Javed, daughter of former chief minister of J&K Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, “Hope they get a chance to speak to the people, local media, doctors and civil society members…”
Mufti along with two other former chief ministers, 83-year-old Farooq Abdullah and his son Omar Abdullah, are currently under detention, apart from over 400 political leaders in Kashmir. The step was part of the move by Centre to maintain law and order in the state since the abrogation of Article 370. The restrictions are gradually being lifted, according to the Centre, including phone services that have already been restored. Internet services, however, still remain suspended.
Last week, the United States lawmakers had expressed concern about the prevailing conditions in J&K regarding detention of local political leaders and common people.
[Image tweeted by @PIB_India]
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