EU lawmakers land in Srinagar in rare foreign visit

A GROUP of 27 European lawmakers on Tuesday (29) landed in Srinagar to assess the situation in Kashmir as part of a major diplomatic outreach by India to counter Pakistan's narrative on the situation in the valley.

Before starting off their assessment of the Valley, the EU delegation will be briefed by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and police personnel.

Ahead of their two-day Kashmir visit, Members of European Parliamentarian (MEPs) met prime minister Narendra Modi, who categorically told them that an 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.

In a communique, the prime minister's office said: "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."

Restrictions are still in place in Jammu and Kashmir since the Centre's decision to end special status to the state under Article 370 and split it into two union territories.

This is the first visit by an international group in Jammu and Kashmir since the move.

(with PTI)