EU Delegates Discuss J&K Situation With PM Modi

A 28-member delegation of the European Union met Prime MinisterNarendra Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday and discussedthe situation in Jammu and Kashmir, sources said. The delegation is alsoexpected to visit Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.

Thevisit comes on the heels of a US Congressional meeting in Washington, where agroup of lawmakers expressed concern about the situation in Jammu and Kashmirfollowing the Centre's move to end the state's special granted under theConstitution and bifurcate it into two union territories.

Alice Wells, the Acting US Assistant Secretary of State, had said the US State Department had "raised concerns with the Indian government regarding the detentions of local residents and political leaders, including three former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir".

Ina meeting held last week, Alice Wells said that they have urged Indianauthorities to respect human rights and restore full access to services,including internet and mobile networks.

The US had earlier agreed that the government's move in Jammuand Kashmir was an internal matter of India. The Centre had also assured theinternational community that it was taking steps to normalize the situation inJammu and Kashmir.

Followingthe news of the visit, Iltija Mufti, the daughter of detained Kashmiri leaderMehbooba Mufti, tweeted, "Hope they get a chance to speak to the people,local media, doctors and civil society members. The iron curtain betweenKashmir & the world needs to be lifted and GOI must be held accountable forpushing J&K into turmoil".