European envoys informed about Kashmir situation

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of External Affairs has briefed envoys of key western and central European nations and the European Union over the situation in Kashmir.

India’s move coincides with Pakistan approaching the Genevabased United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for “a resolution against India on alleged human rights violations in Kashmir”.

Some of the envoys who were briefed on Monday belong to countries who are currently members of the UN rights body. Both India and Pakistan currently are members of UNHRC. Other key members are the UK, China, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Australia, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.


India is getting ready to counter the Pakistani challenge at the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva. The 47-member UNHRC is scheduled to meet from September 9 to 27.

The envoys were told that restrictions in most of the Kashmir Valley were eased and landline services restored. The day-time restrictions have been lifted in most of the police stations. Only mobile and Internet services remained suspended, they were told.

The envoys were informed that there was no shortage of medicines or any other disposable items in the Valley. Since August 5 no life has been lost in Kashmir, nor a single bullet fired, the envoys were told. There has been “a gradual but positive improvement in the ground situation”.