City
Epaper

UK MEP claims J&K invite cancelled on 'free access' demand

By IANS | Updated: October 29, 2019 20:45 IST

Chris Davies, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the UK, on Tuesday claimed he had received an invitation to travel to Jammu and Kashmir, but the offer was withdrawn after he insisted on "free access to speak with local people."

Open in App

Davies was to be part of the delegation of MEPs who visited Kashmir on Tuesday, the first foreign delegation to visit the region after the August 5 revocation of special status.

"I am not prepared to take part in a PR stunt for the Modi government and pretend that all is well. It is very clear that democratic principles are being subverted in Kashmir, and the world needs to start taking notice," said Davies in a statement.

"I fear that this is not going to end well. Governments do not win the hearts and minds of people by taking away their freedoms and imposing military rule. The risk of a violent backlash is all too evident," he said.

According to reports, the invite to the MEPs was issued by an organisation called WESTT - Women's Economic & Social Think Tank.

In the invite to Davies, which is doing the rounds on social media, WESTT head Madi Sharma promises a "prestigious VIP meeting" with India's Prime Minister, in addition to the Kashmir trip.

On Monday, members of the European Parliament met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi during which he expressed hope that they have a fruitful visit 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 government priorities of the region," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: kashmirDaviesjammumodi
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalJammu-Katra Expressway Accident: Speeding Kia Collides With Road Roller, Four Die in Horrific Crash

MumbaiMumbai Cyber Fraud: 75-Year-Old Retired Executive Duped ₹70 Lakh In The Name of Pahalgam Terror Attack

MumbaiMumbai: Gangster Wanted in Jammu Arrested by Crime Branch in Bandra, Sent to J&K Police

NationalAmarnath Yatra 2025: First Batch of Pilgrims From Jammu Departed Amid Tight Security

National‘Operation Sindoor Is India’s Policy Against Terrorism’: PM Narendra Modi’s Strong Message To Pak

International Realted Stories

InternationalB'desh envoy to India meets interim govt advisors in Dhaka

InternationalBalochistan Liberation Front kills 10 Pakistani soldiers in series of attacks

InternationalASEAN strengthens regional stability: Malaysian PM

InternationalSouth Korean President Lee to make State Visit to China next week for summit with Xi Jinping

InternationalPak: Torkham border closure leaves Daily-Wage workers and porters in acute financial distress