Srinagar/New Delhi (NVI): Delhi-based envoys of 15 foreign countries, including the US, reached Srinagar today to see the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under sharp international focus because of continued restrictions on internet and detention of political leaders.
Soon after their arrival here, the diplomats were briefed by Srinagar-based Army Corps Commander Lt Gen K J S Dhillon about the security situation in Kashmir and cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which continues to hamper peace and process of normalisation.
They also met some political leaders.
In Delhi, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar said the objective of the visit was that the envoys should see first hand the efforts made by the government to normalise situation in J&K.
A similar visit can be organised in future, including for envoys of the European Union, he said.
The envoys of the EU wanted to visit in a group which could not be accommodated.
The two-day visit takes place five months after the Centre abolished special status of Jammu and Kashmir granted under Article 370 and bifurcated the state into two Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory and Ladakh Union Territory.
Besides the US, the envoys belong to countries like South Korea, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Maldives, Morocco, Fiji, Norway, Philippines, Argentina, Peru, Niger, Nigeria, Togo & Guyana.
The diplomats, who arrived here by a special flight, were received by top officials from the UT.
After their visit to Srinagar, they will travel to Jammu.
They will meet Lt Governor G C Murmu and some members of the civil society.
Over a month back, a delegation of 23 Members of European Parliament also visited Jammu and Kashmir on a trip which was organised by Delhi-based think tank International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies.
Ever since the Modi government took the controversial decision of abolishing special status of J&K and imposed restrictions here in August, it has come under sharp criticism and there have been critical commentaries, particularly in the western media, over the curbs.
