Sources said envoys will meet the GoC 15 Corps, which is likely to apprise them on the security situation and share details on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir Valley. The trip is also expected to allay apprehensions about Pakistani propaganda against the Indian Army.
Sources say the recent Nagrota attack in Jammu and Pulwama terror attack will find a mention in its presentation.
Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup, Secretary (West), is overseeing the foreign delegation’s visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
Immediately after the briefing, the envoys will move to Hotel Lalit where they will meet local entrepreneurs, small businessmen and sarpanches.
The delegation will then have lunch with businessmen in Kashmir valley. The group will also be taken for a short tour. In the evening, they will be shown Kashmiri traditional and cultural programmes.
In Jammu, they will meet Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu and top officials of Jammu and Kashmir administration. The chief secretary is expected to give a presentation to the foreign delegation on the present situation.
The timing of the visit comes nearly six months after the abrogation of Article 370 and just days after two former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti were charged under Public Safety Act (PSA).
Since then, several leaders in detention have been released, but three chief ministers have been kept in detention. The PSA dossier says that their release will be detrimental to law and order situation.
However, the government has invited several diplomats from the European Union, including Germany, France, the Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary and the European Union envoy to assess the situation from ground zero.
While Russia has declined the invite saying Kashmir is an internal matter of India, sources said Gulf countries are also unlikely to be part of the delegation. The first batch of 15 envoys visited in January this year when internet services were still suspended in the valley. (India Today)
Comments are closed.