Foreign envoys likely to visit Kashmir today

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, February 11

Jammu and Kashmir is all set to host a delegation of foreign envoys today to showcase to them the “emerging normalcy” in the region.

However, the authorities are concerned that the complete shutdown observed this week on separatists’ call might cast a shadow over the arrival of the delegation.

Officials said the 24-member delegation of the New Delhi-based ambassadors and some parliamentarians of the European Union would reach Kashmir on Wednesday morning.

“We are all set to receive the foreign envoys here and facilitate their meetings with local politicians and civil society members,” said a senior police official.

“A significant number of envoys from European countries would be part of this group of ambassadors,” he said.

The envoys would interact with political leaders and civil society members who have accepted the New Delhi’s decision of the abrogation of Article 370, but are seeking restoration of statehood to J&K, he said.

The fresh visit of the foreign envoys is the third such visit since August 5.

A group of largely right-wing European parliamentarians visited Kashmir in October, prompting outrage from local politicians who were not allowed to meet them. The visit evoked intense protests and complete shutdown in Kashmir.

However, the visit of the 15-member foreign delegation on January 9 was received with open shops and normal public movement.

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