Srinagar, Feb 12 (KNS):  A fresh batch of 25 foreign diplomats including those from Germany, Canada, France and Afghanistan are on a two day visit to witness the ground situation in the region nearly six months after the abrogation of Article 370 of the constitution.

 

The delegation will have envoys from Germany, Canada, France, Italy and Poland, New Zealand, Mexico, Afghanistan, Austria, Tajakistan, Uzbekistan and well as envoys from European unions.

 

An official informed KNS that arrived by a special chartered flight at Srinagar’s technical airport where they were received by top state officials.

 

A meeting was scheduled for delegates with fruit growers in north Kashmir; however it didn’t happen due to inclement weather. Earlier this morning, the group was seen taking Shikara rides on Dal Lake, after which they met the local media.  The envoys had a joint meeting with local entrepreneurs, Panchayat representatives and political leaders at Lunch.

 

A political leader who attended the meeting informed KNS that entrepreneurs raised the issue of fallout on business after abrogation of Article 370 and asked the diplomats to impress upon GOI to announce a package for revival of trade and tourism here.

 

According to official source, the Army will also brief the visiting diplomats on the security situation in Kashmir and are expected to give a detailed presentation in this regard. The delegation is also expected to meet a group of young people being trained in the governments ‘skilled society’ programme.

 

After a night stay in a Srinagar hotel on banks of Dal Lake, the envoys will fly to Jammu where a meeting with Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu and civil society groups is expected.

 

However after finishing their 50-minute Shikara ride on the lake, the Frank Hans Dannenberg Castellanos from the Dominician Republic told the media that they are “here just as tourists” and described Kashmir as “the most beautiful place”.

 

This was the second group of foreign envoys whose visit was facilitated by the government after the big announcement in August. Along with the announcement, the Govt had placed a series of restrictions on the movement and communication of public.