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| 17 envoys drive through traffic, bustle in Kashmir | | Envoys in JK get briefing from army, meet civil society members | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 9: On a day when mercury had dipped to 2 degree Celsius, 17 envoys, dressed in their tweed jackets and cashmere mufflers, took pictures and selfies in the backdrop of Zabarvan hills in the summer capital of the newly formed union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The group of envoys representing 17 countries arrived in Srinagar on a two-day trip to Kashmir on Thursday, to get a first-hand experience of the situation since the special status of Jammu and Kashmir state was revoked.
Following the constitutional reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir on August 5 last year, the government, placed the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir under restrictions and a communication blockade for almost a month.
The government anticipated Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks and street violence in view of the threats issued by separatists and terror groups ahead of the decision.
Markets and educational institutions were shut for a couple of months in the valley after separatists and terror groups gave calls against restoration of normalcy.
However Kashmir since August 5, except for a few civilian killings by terrorists, has been mostly calm and peaceful. Although most communication services have been restored, the mobile Internet still remains suspended.
US Ambassador Kenneth I. Juster, is accompanied by the envoys of Vietnam, South Korea, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Niger, Nigeria, Morocco, Guyana, Argentina, Philippines, Norway, Maldives, Fiji, Togo, Bangladesh and Peru on the two-day trip.
Markets, institutions and traffic were running normally on Thursday when the delegation of envoys arrived in Srinagar. Sources said, the common people whom the envoys met told them that though initially there were difficulties but they were relieved that there was no bloodshed and violent protests.
Common people also told the envoys that they were appreciative of the government''s handling of the situation since the nullification of Articles 370 and 35A, sources said. The envoys were also asked to put pressure on Pakistan to end cross-border terrorism in Kashmir.
Official sources said, the government decided to organize the trip for the envoys because of several requests received by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Centre approved the request after analyzing the security situation and consulting the state administration.
A team of 15 envoys including the US Ambassador to India Kenneth I Juster arrived here on Thursday on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, the first by diplomats since August last year when the state''s special status was revoked and it was downsized to a union territory.
The envoys were brought in a chartered aircraft and landed at technical airport here from where they were taken directly to the army cantonment for a briefing, officials said here.
Top officials from the newly carved out union territory of Jammu and Kashmir received the delegation, which will be going to Jammu later in the day and stay the night there. The delegation, accompanied by Secretary (West) of Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup, was briefed by a team of top army officers led by Lt Gen K J S Dhillon, who heads the strategically-located XV corps in Kashmir, they said. During the briefing, the army highlighted the trouble from the Pakistan side and their efforts to destablise the security situation in the Kashmir Valley, the officials said.
The envoys had a meeting with civil society members from the valley during which the US ambassador was seen having a long chat with owner of Real Kashmir Football Club Sandeep Chattoo.
Chattoo conveyed to the US envoy the importance of sports in building a strong youth and also highlighted the achievements of his club. The three-year old football club has braved heavy odds to make a lasting impression on Indian football, its fascinating narrative attracting youths from the valley and rest of the country.
Later the envoys met political leaders including an eight-member delegation led by former minister Altaf Bukhari during which the local leaders apprised them about the possible future course of action after abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to the erstwhile state.
Bukhari had earlier this week met Lt Governor of Jammu and Kashmir G C Murmu and submitted a memorandum seeking domicile for people of the union territory.
The envoys also had a meeting with some of the editors of the local newspapers including Fayaz Kaloo of Greater Kashmir.
The visit of envoys has evoked sharp reactions from opposition parties with Congress accusing the the government of adopting double standards by resorting to "guided tours" for foreign envoys, but not allowing Indian politicians to go there. |
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