Group of EU MPs are mainly from far-right parties; only three belong to the Left or liberal parties.
The group of European Union parliamentarians visiting India in personal capacity held a press conference on their visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
The group of EU MPs are mainly from far-right parties, with only three of the 27 MPs belonging to the Left or liberal parties. This is the first such international visit since the government ended special status to Jammu and Kashmir and split it into two union territories in August. The MPs met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Monday. Four of the 27 lawmakers dropped out of the Kashmir visit amid the backlash.
Here are the Live Updates of European Union Delegation Media Address After Kashmir Visit
"Kashmir, a beautiful place"
One of the MPs said that they are in awe with the beauty of Kashmir. "It is such a beautiful place," he said. "We would have loved to stay longer, but we understand the situation. I am certainly going to return with my wife and kids," he adds.
MPs Extend Their "Support" To India
One of the European Union MP said that their group supports India in its efforts for lasting peace and end of terror.
"Once we go back to Europe, we will surely update our colleagues on the situation," he added. He further thanked Indian government and the local administration for the hospitality.
Meanwhile, One EU MP Asks Government To Allow Opposition Parties To Visit Kashmir
Nicolaus Fest, European Union MP, in Srinagar on his visit to Jammu and Kashmir: "I think if you let in European Union Parliamentarians, you should also let in opposition politicians from India. So there is some kind of disbalance, the government should somehow address it."
Nobody wants terrorism: EU MP
"Nobody wants terrorism. One of the locals I met told me about another problem that plagues Kashmir.... Corruption... How the Central government's funds get lost in the system and never reach the people or for the development projects they are meant for."
Don't want Syria to become Kashmir: EU MP
"I have seen how terrorism can destroy a place, harm a country... Last month I was in Syria and I saw the destruction terrorism can cause... and we do not want Kashmir to end up like that," says one EU MP.
EU MPs Group Begins Media InteractionThe Europian Union MPs have started interacting with media. One of the MP says, "We are not here to intervene in India's internal politics".
Another MP adds that the group of politician was in "India to gather facts, information".