A series of bunkers were removed from various parts of Srinagar city ahead of the visit of European Union delegation.
Srinagar, J&K—
A delegation of foreign envoys visit Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day visit from today (Wednesday).
The delegation, which is likely to be led by European Union Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Ugo Astuto, would include diplomats from African and European countries.
The delegation will meet members of political parties and other stakeholders including newly appointed District Development Councils (DDC) members, social activists, stakeholders in the hospitality sector and newspaper editors. Also, the delegation will be going for sightseeing to Dal Lake.
The 20-member group will get a briefing from top officials of the Army, as per official sources. Officials say that during their two-day visit, the envoys would receive firsthand information from the J&K administration.
After their Kashmir visit on Wednesday, the group of envoys will leave for Jammu on Thursday where they would likely be meeting Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha besides some of the DDC members and representatives of some social organizations.
Ahead of the visit, CRPF bunkers removed in Srinagar
A series of bunkers were removed from various parts of Srinagar city ahead of the visit of European Union delegation.
Even though the official statement said that the bunkers were removed to ease out the traffic movement in Srinagar areas including Moulana Azad Road, Rajabagh and other areas, but observers opine that the development should be seen in the backdrop of the foreign delegation’s visit.
“We decided to remove some makeshift bunkers that were erected for frisking and other security related issues,” a statement from the UT administration said.
At least five bunkers were removed from Srinagar areas of which two were lifted from Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
It is also a fact that Srinagar city was witnessing gridlocks, forcing the traffic cops to work hard to ensure smooth flow of traffic in the city.
‘Delegation should be allowed to meet everyone’
The former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti said that the envoys should be allowed to meet everyone so that they can receive firsthand information about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
However, Ms Mehbooba said that the visit has been tailored by the Centre as the envoys would be allowed to meet selected people. “If the Centre actually wants to show the foreign dignitaries the real situation in J&K, they would allow the envoys to meet everyone,” Ms Mehbooba said.
Mehbooba said everyone is welcomed to visit Kashmir, but restrictions should not be put on the movement of local leaders.
