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 extreme right or right wing parties, but four did not travel to Kashmir and have reportedly returned to their respective countries, officials said.
Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Chris Davies said the decision showed the Indian government was trying to hide the “reality of its actions” and blocking absolute freedom of the Press. “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and the world needs to start taking notice,” said Davies, whose invite for the visit between October 27 and 30 was rescinded.
On Monday, the members of the European Parliament met PM Narendra Modi in Delhi during which he expressed hope that they have a fruitful visit to various parts of the country, including to Jammu & Kashmir.
“Their visit to Jammu & 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 Government priorities of the region,” a statement from the PM’s Office said.