Concerned Over Restrictions In Kashmir, Need Steps To Bring Back Normalcy indiatoday.in

The European Union on Tuesday said it was concerned over restrictions on “fundamental freedom” of people in Kashmir and called for steps like restoration of communication network and essential services to bring back normalcy in the Valley. European Union’s Ambassador to India Ugo Astuto also said that Pakistan must take action against militants and terror groups and that it should comply with steps recommended by anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in containing terrorism in the country.

Astuto, at a media briefing, said the European Union favors resolution of all issues between India and Pakistan through dialogue. On Kashmir, he said the European Union understands India’s security concerns but insisted that steps should be taken to restore normalcy in the Valley, adding the bloc’s views on the matter remained unchanged since August. In August, India announced withdrawing the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcating the state into two union territories. Pakistan reacted angrily to the move and downgraded its diplomatic ties with India, besides trying to rally international support against New Delhi over the decision.