Mehbooba Mufti targets Centre over EU members' visit to J&K

As European lawmakers will be visiting Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, the former chief minister of the State Mehbooba Mufti, whose Twitter account is handled by her daughter, asked the Centre why the US Senator was not allowed to visit the State of J&K. This comes after the EU delegation met PM Modi and NSA Ajit Doval on Monday and discussed the situation prevailing in Kashmir post the abrogation of Article 370. The government announced that the European Union members will be visiting the Kashmir valley on Tuesday to assess the situation in the State. Mehbooba Mufti also took a dig at the government by accusing them of getting involved in the “normalcy acrobatics” in the State. 

US Senator not allowed to visit J&K 

The United States Senator from the Democratic Party, Chris Van Hollen was not allowed to visit the state of Jammu and Kashmir earlier in October. Back then, Hollen told the media persons that the Indian authorities denied permission to him by saying that it was not an appropriate time to visit the valley. He reportedly wanted to see the situation on the ground in Kashmir and alleged the Indian government of not wanting him to know what was happening in the State.  

Read | EU delegation to visit Kashmir; meet PM Modi and NSA Doval in Delhi

PM Modi on EU members’ visit to India 

PM Modi, after meeting the EU members, has expressed hope that they have fruitful visits to the various parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. He said that European lawmakers’ visit to J&K should give the delegation a better understanding of cultural and religious diversity of the region. Centre had announced the decision to abrogate Article 370 and subsequently bifurcate the State into two Union Territories on August 5. Following the Centre’s decision, restrictions were imposed in the Valley, although many of them have been revoked since then.  

Read | PM Modi wishes EU lawmakers a fruitful visit; outlines mega synergies

PM talks about EU and India’s relationship 

PM Modi upon meeting the European lawmakers said that India’s relationship with the European Union is based on shared interests and common commitment to democratic values. He said that an early conclusion of a fair and balanced BTIA (Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement) is a priority for the government. Talking about the need to strengthen engagement with the EU on regional and global matters, Prime Minister highlighted the importance of close international cooperation to fight terrorism. He also mentioned the growth of the International Solar Alliance as a global partnership.   

Read | EU leaders support the British parliament's decision to delay Brexit again

Read | EU did 'all in our power' to ensure orderly Brexit, says Juncker