Four MPs from the European Union delegation visiting India, addressed the media in a conference in Jammu and Kashmir, and briefed about the purpose of their visit. Refuting all the allegations made by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and other opposition parties, the Members of European Parliament said that their visit became the target of a false propaganda.
“We are here to collect facts and information on Jammu and Kashmir, a lot was being said about it, not depending upon rumours, we have come to seek ground reality here, we have nothing to do with Indian politics,” said an EU MP.
Response to Owaisi’s “Nazi” remark:
“We would like to clarify that we are not Nazis or someone who hates Islam or support Adolf Hitler,” the MPs said. “Had we been so, we would not been elected by the people. We are very angry on being called that,” they said.
AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi lashed out at the Centre for allowing an "unofficial delegation" of European Union MPs comprising members "who hate Muslims and Islam" to visit Kashmir. "Who are they? Why we should show them Kashmir? They are mot an official delegation rather they are people who hate Islam and Muslims and love Adolf Hitler. Many MPs among them are fascists. What is the message you are giving to Kashmiri people?" Owaisi had said.
On Kashmir:
“The Kashmir visit has been a very good experience”, an EU MP representing the 23-member delegation said.
“We are not here for political interference. We are here for fact-finding," he said while adding that Kashmir is an internal matter of the country.
“Our motive was to interact with common people. We spoke to them. The people of Kashmir want to grow on the path of development. They want schools and hospitals,” said another EU MP.
“Some people told us that the Centre gives enough funds for Kashmir, but not all of it reaches them due to prevailing corruption in the system,” noted another MP.
They said that Kashmir is moving on towards peace and development.
Terrorism:
The MEPs expressed grief over the terror attack in Kulgam in which five labourers from West Bengal were killed. They said that terrorism is a global problem.
“India is a peaceful nation. It has been a victim of several terror attacks. But terrorism can never finish a country,” they said.
We support India to find the best possible solution to deal with terrorism, they stated.
Stressing that terrorism is now a world problem, one of the members, Thierry Mariani said he did not want Kashmir to become a "second Afghanistan."
Also Watch: Key Highlights of EU Delegations' press conference on Kashmir