Edited by Shylaja Varma | Wednesday October 30, 2019, Srinagar
European Union MPs whose visit to Jammu and Kashmir has been criticised by the opposition today said they were not here to interfere in India's politics and "fully supported the country in its efforts for lasting peace and end of terror". The European lawmakers were addressing select media - many, including local Kashmiri newspapers were kept out - after a tour of Srinagar that included a shikara ride on the Dal Lake on Tuesday as they visited Jammu and Kashmir under heavy security and a shutdown in parts of the state. This is the first time an international team has been allowed in Jammu and Kashmir since the government ended its special status and split it into two union territories in August. The opposition has questioned how foreign MPs have been allowed in the state when politicians in India have been denied the opportunity.