The delegation met Prime Minister Modi and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on Monday in New Delhi. The NSA briefed them on both developments in Kashmir and prevailing terror threat across the country.
"Members of European Parliament called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg today. Prime Minister appreciated the importance the Parliamentarians attach to their relationship with India by visiting right at the beginning of their term," the Prime Minister's Office stated.
In a communique, the Centre said, "the Prime Minister appreciated the importance the Parliamentarians attach to their relationship with India by visiting right at the beginning of their term.mPrime Minister said that India’s relationship with the European Union is based on shared interests and common commitment to democratic values. He said that an early conclusion of a fair and balanced BTIA is a priority for the government. Talking about the need to strengthen engagement with EU on regional and global matters, Prime Minister highlighted the importance of close international cooperation to fight terrorism. He also mentioned about the growth of International Solar Alliance as a global partnership".
“Prime Minister, while welcoming the delegation to India, expressed the hope that they have a fruitful visit to various parts of the country, including to Jammu and Kashmir. Their visit to Jammu and Kashmir should give the delegation a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the region of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh; apart from giving them a clear view of the development and governance priorities of the region”.
Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti hoped that the delegation would speak with the locals. “The iron curtain between Kashmir and the world needs to be lifted and GOI must be held accountable for pushing J&K into turmoil,” she tweeted.
The visit will be first ever international visit to the union territory after the scrapping of Article 370.
In Kashmir, authorities are trying to restore normalcy. On Monday, the commercial hub of Lal Chowk here witnessed a huge rush as people from different areas of Kashmir thronged the city centre where shops remained open till noon, officials said.
Authorities are making preparations for holding all board examinations as per schedule.
While landline and postpaid mobile phone services have been restored across the valley, all Internet services continue to remain suspended since August 5 when the Centre abrogated Article 370.
Most of the top level and second rung separatist politicians have been taken into preventive custody while mainstream leaders including two former chief ministers - Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti - have been either detained or placed under house arrest.
The government has detained former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah under the controversial Public Safety act.