EU delegation meet members of civil society in Kashmir

20:15 October 29

EU MPs meet a cross-section of people in J-K

The delegation of European Union (EU) MPs met local body members and the members of civil society, in Srinagar earlier today.

18:05 October 29

EU MPs visit Dal lake

The delegation of European Union (EU) MPs visit Dal lake in Srinagar. The lawmakers are on a two-day visit to Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh to review the ground situation in the valley. 

17:10 October 29

UK Member of EU Parliament claims India withdrew invitation to visit Kashmir

A senior UK politician claimed on Tuesday that the Indian government withdrew with little explanation its invitation to him to be part of an EU delegation currently on a visit to Kashmir after he demanded to speak with local people without a police escort.

A delegation of 23 MPs from the European Union reached Srinagar on Tuesday for a two-day visit during which they will be briefed on the situation by government officials and also meet a cross-section of local people.

The team originally comprised 27 parliamentarians, mostly from the extreme right or right-wing parties, but four did not travel to Kashmir and have reportedly returned to their respective countries.

"I am not prepared to take part in a PR stunt for the Modi government and pretend that all is well. It is very clear that democratic principles are being subverted in Kashmir, and the world needs to start taking notice," said Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Chris Davies, whose invite for the visit between October 27 and 30 was reportedly rescinded.

Davies claims the invitation was "promptly withdrawn with little explanation" after he insisted he must be free to talk with local people, unaccompanied by police or security forces, and invite journalists without interrogation.

16:10 October 29

Security forces brief EU MPs

According to reports, in a meeting with European Union MPs at 15 Corps Headquarters, security forces including Army, briefed them including the role of Pakistan in fuelling terrorism in the Kashmir valley and the role of Pakistani Army in pushing terrorists into India.
 

15:01 October 29

27-member delegation to meet J-K Guv

The 27-member delegation of European MPs reached Srinagar on their two-day visit. They will be meeting the Governor Satyapal Malik. They are then expected to have lunch with the Chief Secretary, following which they will be interacting with civil society members.

Later in the day, the delegation is expected to take a tour of the Dal Lake along with other areas of Srinagar.

The delegatin is likely to address a press conference in the city tomorrow morning before returning.

14:21 October 29

European delegation to be briefed by security forces: Reports

According to reports, the delegation of European Union MPs visiting Jammu and Kashmir will be briefed by security forces in the 15 Corps Headquarters in Srinagar later today.

12:22 October 29

Many shops shut; fewer vehicles seen on Srinagar roads

Normal life was affected in Srinagar ahead of the European delegation's visit to the valley, as many shops which had started to function over the past few days remained shut on Tuesday.

According to reports, lesser traffic was seen on the streets of Srinagar as many private vehicles stayed off the roads, even as security in the city was tightened in view of the delegation's visit.

11:53 October 29

The delegation of European Union (EU) MPs arrive at Srinagar.

08:53 October 29

Good opportunity to see actual situation in Kashmir: EU MP

Looking forward to the visit to the valley, Nathan Gill, a MEP from the UK, said, "It is a good opportunity for us as a foreign delegation to see firsthand what the actual on-ground situation is in Kashmir."

08:29 October 29

EU MPs enroute airport

The delegation of European Union (EU) MPs scheduled to visit Kashmir today, leave for Delhi Airport from their hotel.

08:22 October 29

EU delegation meet members of civil society in Kashmir

European lawmakers to visit Kashmir; PM, NSA brief them on situation

New Delhi:In the first visit by a foreign delegation to Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370, a group of 27 European lawmakers will travel there today, a major diplomatic outreach by the government to counter Pakistan's narrative on the situation in the valley and to give them a "clear view" of India's development and governance priorities.

Ahead of their two-day Kashmir visit, Members of European Parliamentarian (MEPs) met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who categorically told them that urgent action was needed against those supporting and sponsoring terrorism.

The visit will provide them with a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Modi said and hoped that it will also give them a "clear view" of the development and governance priorities in the region, according to an official release.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also briefed MEPs, who are from nine countries, on cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, constitutional changes made in the status of Jammu and Kashmir with the revocation of Article 370 and the situation in the valley.