25 foreign envoys demystify ground reality in J&K; Meet Chinar Corps Commander Lt Gen KJS Dhillon in state

Srinagar, February 13: The second batch of 25 foreign envoys who are in Jammu and Kashmir to demystify the ground reality, met Chinar Corps Commander Lt General KJS Dhillon earlier today where they were briefed about the security situation in the state.

 

While Secretary (W) Vikas Swarup is overseeing the visit on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs, the foreign envoys on Wednesday had an extensive discussion which lasted for over an hour at the Lalit Hotel with people from various walks of life. The discussion started around 3:30 in the evening with several prominent academicians, scholars, doctors, and students. The envoys also met few young political leaders from far-flung areas.

 

 

“It was very productive. The envoys were concerned about peace in the region. So we explained this to the delegation that peace won’t happen unless other countries diplomatically handle Pakistan. Pakistan has been fear-mongering. They are keeping the issue alive. This is an internal matter. Our government can handle", noted political activist Mir Junaid after meeting the envoys.

 

The delegation also took the opportunity to request the foreign envoys to look at business opportunities in the valley. “We did speak about FDI in Kashmir. A 3% investment should be dedicated to Kashmir. We requested them to initiate a process whereby we can have a long term engagement with their respective countries,” said Junaid.

 

“Jammu and Kashmir Workers Party would engage with the ambassadors. A positive sign was shown by the delegation. We also discussed the abrogation of Article 370. We told them abrogation is for a change. We don’t know whether it is good or bad. Meanwhile, we can’t let all sectors in the valley suffer because of this decision", he added. The diplomats belonging to the European Union, including Germany, France, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and Hungary were in Srinagar for a day on Wednesday and are slated to be in Jammu on Thursday.