NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / 15 foreign envoys visit Kashmir, government explains agenda
    India

    15 foreign envoys visit Kashmir, government explains agenda

    15 foreign envoys visit Kashmir, government explains agenda
    Written by Shalini Ojha
    Jan 09, 2020, 06:29 pm 3 min read
    15 foreign envoys visit Kashmir, government explains agenda

    As 15 envoys from different countries are visiting Jammu and Kashmir, the government briefed media about the objective of this trip. Raveesh Kumar, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said on Thursday that the envoys were taken there to reveal the steps taken by the government to restore normalcy. He said the first stop of envoys was a meeting with security officials.

    Background: Why is Kashmir "not normal"?

    Kashmir's situation changed in August last year when BJP-led Centre passed a Bill revoking Article 370, that awarded special status to the area. Anticipating any violent fallout, the government put Kashmir under a heavy blanket of security, suspended modes of communication, and detained politicians who could spark tensions. All these steps raised concerns about human rights but the Centre claimed the situation was improving.

    Envoys from different nations to assess on-ground situation

    This is the second time foreign politicians are being taken to the volatile area. In October, 23 Members of the European Parliament were given the same treatment, but MEA wasn't involved with it. However, this time, the government planned the excursion. Envoys from US, South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Maldives, Morocco, Fiji, Norway, Philippines, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Togo, and Guyana, are part of the team.

    On EU skipping visit, Kumar said everyone wasn't invited

    However, the team doesn't include representatives of the European Union, as some of them wanted more access and wished to meet people of their own choice. But Kumar virtually dismissed these allegations by saying, "We wanted this group to be of manageable size and make it broad-based representing different geographical regions." He said not everyone was extended an invitation.

    They wanted to visit in a group: Kumar

    Raveesh Kumar, MEA: When we approached them they welcomed the decision. Our understanding is that they wanted to visit in a group. You're aware, on many issues they take group position. Invitation wasn't sent to all members because it would have made the delegation too big.(2/2) https://t.co/kOWGZ4T5rP

    — ANI (@ANI) January 9, 2020

    Apart from locals, envoys to meet politicians too

    Besides meeting locals and officials to get a sense of the situation, the envoys will meet a delegation of politicians led by former minister Altaf Bukhari. A former member of PDP, Bukhari is among the handful of politicians who are not under detention. "It will be a free and frank discussion. Whatever is on the ground we will discuss," he said.

    NC and Congress weren't happy with envoys' visit

    While Centre is hoping this visit takes away some of the criticism on how it dealt with Kashmir, opposition parties are obviously unimpressed. Calling it a staged visit, just like the first one, National Conference said the envoys would only meet handpicked individuals. Meanwhile, Congress' Jairam Ramesh demanded "unfettered access to J&K to all politicians" and said government shouldn't spend time on guided tours.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Latest
    Ministry Of External Affairs
    Article 370
    Raveesh Kumar
    United States of America

    Latest

    IPL 2023, DC: Squad analysis, schedule, Probable XI, and verdict  Delhi Capitals (DC)
    In greener push, Tata Motors to launch showrooms for EVs Tata Motors Ltd
    IPL 2023, SRH: Squad analysis, schedule, Probable XI, and verdict  Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
    Anubhav Sinha's 'Bheed' faces the wrath of CBFC; details inside Bollywood

    Ministry Of External Affairs

    Pro-Khalistani protest erupts in US over action against Amritpal Singh Khalistani
    London: Pro-Khalistani supporters remove Indian flag, here's what happened next Khalistani
    PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate India-Bangladesh friendship pipeline today Narendra Modi
    Taliban members to attend 4-day online crash course on India Taliban

    Article 370

    Barring LoC, Centre considers withdrawing Army from Jammu and Kashmir Jammu And Kashmir
    Sonam Wangchuk begins hunger strike to 'save Ladakh' Ladakh
    Ladakh: Sonam Wangchuk to launch hunger strike demanding constitutional safeguards Ladakh
    Kashmiris not beggers: Omar Abdullah slams Centre over election delay  Omar Abdullah

    Raveesh Kumar

    India-EU summit: PM Modi cancels Brussels visit over coronavirus scare India
    India deems US panel's statement on Delhi violence 'factually incorrect' Ministry Of External Affairs
    India rejects UN chief's offer to mediate on J&K Jammu And Kashmir
    CAB aftermath: Bangladesh's foreign minister cancels India visit, MEA responds Bangladesh

    United States of America

    North Korea tests underwater drone that could create 'radioactive tsunami' North Korea
    Another big one: Adani slayer Hindenburg Research teases new report Adani Group
    Why were Lindsay Lohan, Jake Paul, Akon booked: Know everything Hollywood
    What is this new fungal disease spreading rapidly in US Health & Wellness

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023