Steps needed to bring back normalcy in Kashmir: European Union

The European Union on Tuesday stated it was concerned over limitations on “fundamental freedom” of people in Kashmir and beckoned for steps like restoration of communication network and necessary services to bring back normalcy in the Kashmir.

European Union’s Indian Ambassador Ugo Astuto also asserted that Pakistan must take action against militants and terror outfits and that it should comply with measures backed by anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in restraining terrorism in the nation.

Astuto, at a media conference, said the European Union supports resolve of all matters between India and Pakistan through dialogue.

On Kashmir, he said the European Union recognises India’s security affairs but emphasised that steps should be taken to revive normalcy in the Valley, attaching the bloc’s views on the matter remained consistent since August.

In August, India stated eliminating the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two union territories. Pakistan acted sharply to the move and demoted its diplomatic bonds with India, besides trying to rally international help against New Delhi over the ruling.

“We did communicate our concerns about the condition on the ground, especially limitations on a fundamental freedom. Freedom of movement and medians of communication must be returned as well as the quintessential services,” Astuto said.

“We want the government to hold steps to reclaim normalcy in the region…we have a perception of India’s security matters. Our position has been constant and unchanged,” he said.

Following the declaration to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir, internet and mobile phone networks and landline channels were cut off while key political heads put under house arrest. Large parts of the Valley are still staggering under the restraints.

Astuto said there had been communications between the EU and India on the Kashmir issue. “We held talks with the External Affairs Minister on a few times.”

On the visit of a delegation of European parliamentarians to Kashmir in October, the representative said it was not an official tour.

“The MEPs (Member of European Parliament) were in India on a personal position. It was not an official call…The visit was not an interpretation of the policy decision by the EU,” he said.

In the initial visit by a foreign delegation, a unit of 23 MEPs travelled to J&K on Tuesday on two-day tour to have a first-hand evaluation of the situation after the state’s special status was revoked.

Several of the 23 MPs referred to right and far-right parties and are not part of the mainstream in their own nations.

Opposition parties rigorously criticised the government for the move with the Congress representing it as the “biggest diplomatic blunder” and others asking the Centre how these foreign administrators were allowed to visit the Valley while Indian leaders were refused approval.

On its part, the government said the tour was supposed to be in India’s more valuable national interest as it served to get international recognition on Pakistan’s assistance to cross-border terrorism.