Foreign envoys speak in different tones on Kashmir visit

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SRINAGAR — The 25 foreign envoys who arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday spoke in different tones even though majority of them evaded media.

One of the ambassadors from Afghanistan stated that he saw shops open all around in Srinagar while as the Mexican envoy said that they were in Srinagar as tourists.

According to reports reaching here, 25 foreign envoys began their two-day Jammu and Kashmir visit Wednesday with a Shikara ride in Dal lake.

Some of the members in the delegation belonged to Germany, France, Canada, Afghanistan, Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary. After spending a day in Srinagar, the envoys will travel to Jammu on Thursday after interacting with the representatives of civil society in Kashmir.

The envoys are likely to be briefed by senior officers in Srinagar about security situation in Kashmir, a security official said.

Talking to media men after having a Shikara ride in the famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiri said: “We saw schools and shops were open on our way from the Airport to the city.’’ He tried to explain that all was well in Srinagar.

“Kashmir is a part of the world that I always wanted to see,” Qadiri said. However, Mexican ambassador said: “Kashmir is a beautiful place. We are here as tourists.”

A third envoy said they have come to J&K to see how the situation is in J&K. “We are here to see and assess the situation,” he said without revealing his name.

Amid tight security, the delegation checked into a five-star hotel in Srinagar on the banks of famous Dal Lake. This is the third group of foreign diplomats visiting Jammu and Kashmir after the revocation of Article 370 on August 05 last year.

On January 09, a delegation of 17 foreign envoys including US ambassador Kenneth Juster visited J&K.

The delegation will also meet business representatives and others during its stay in Srinagar and Jammu. A group of journalists will also be reportedly meeting them.

In Srinagar, they will enjoy a cultural show in the evening at SKICC here.

Official sources said that on Thursday, the envoys will visit Jammu where they will be meeting with the Lt. Governor Girish Chandra Murmu.

The visit comes days after the stringent Public Safety Act (PSA) was slapped on former Jammu and Kashmir chief ministers – Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti.

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