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EU Troika begins visit to Kashmir

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Srinagar, India, May 13, IRNA -- A delegation of European Union Troika, which began its visit to Kashmir on Friday, met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and pro-Independence leader Yasin Malik both of whom apprised the visitors of the latest situation prevailing in the state.

The team led by Ambassador of EU Daniele Smadja includes Ambassador of Ireland Kenneth Thompson, Ambassador of Belgium Pierre Vaesan, First Secretary EU delegation Philipp Gross and Attache EU delegation Anne Vaugier-Chatterjee are on annual visit to the strife torn state to assess the situation.

An official spokesman said the diplomats met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and discussed socio-economic and political developments in the state.

Omar apprised the EU Troika delegation during an hour long meeting of the steps being taken by the union and state Governments to restore peace in the state, he said.

The diplomats also paid a visit to Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) headquarters in maisuma area of the city.

JKLF Supremo Yasin Malik impressed upon European Union to use its friendly ties with India and Pakistan to resolve the Kashmir issue, according to the 'wishes and aspirations of the people of state, JKLF leader said.

“We hope the European countries which are on good terms with both India and Pakistan, use this friendliness to impress upon both countries that peace needs to be introduced and maintained in the region,” Malik told reporters after meeting delegation this morning.

“The ongoing conflict has consumed over hundred thousand people during the past 68 years. Three generations of Kashmiri people have been embroiled in it. We do not want the coming generations to suffer due to the conflict,” Malik said.

He asked for the inclusion of the Kashmiri people in the dialogue and decision-making process on the Kashmir issue.

“Kashmir issue is not a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan. Why are the two nations holding exclusive talks over it without including Kashmiris?” he asked.

Malik asserted that Kashmir has made a transition from violence to non-violence and ‘a genuine political space is needed to sustain the non-violent democratic process.’

Calling for troop-cut across the state, Malik said, “One-third of Kashmir is under water, another one-third is mountains. The remaining land left for human habitation is crowded by soldiers. In future, where will the Kashmiri population stay?” he said.

The JKLF chairman said he also took up the issue of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking probe into the death of over 115 people, including many teenagers in government forces firing with the visiting delegation.

According to Malik, “The delegates said it is unfortunate that our knock on the doors of judiciary went unheeded.”