European Union Lawmakers call terrorism a global concern after J&K visit, extend support to India

A delegation of European lawmakers visited Jammu and Kashmir to assess the situation in the valley.

The lawmakers extended their support to India saying that terrorism is a global concern.

The European Union parliamentary delegation, comprising of parliamentarians from UK, Poland, France and other countries interacted with locals in Kashmir valley to get a first-hand understanding of the situation.

It is the first foreign delegation that has been allowed to visit Kashmir after the scrapping of article 370.

Both India and the EU have clarified that the delegation is not on an official visit to India. The lawmakers are in India in their capacity.

The army and security forces also briefed the EU delegation about Pakistan's role in fuelling terror in Kashmir.

The delegation also regretted the killing of six people by terrorists in south Kashmir. They said “terrorism is a severe problem in Kashmir” and named Pakistan as its source.

The Indian Prime Minister had met with the 23 members in New Delhi on Monday.

During the meet, PM Modi urged for action against the countries using terrorism as a state policy.

This is the first foreign delegation of 23 lawmakers from the European Union to visit Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the opposition is keeping up its criticism of the centre's decision to facilitate this visit.

Many alleged that no prominent civil society group, trade body or mainstream Kashmiri political party could meet the EU lawmakers.

It has been 86 days since the Indian government scrapped article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

In the weeks that followed, the government worked towards restoring connectivity and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.