Envoys' visit aimed at showing J&K's march toward development: MEA
The visit by 24 foreign envoys to Jammu and Kashmir was aimed at enabling them to witness its march on the path of inclusive development and dynamism in the grassroots democratic institutions following the successful conduct of the recent local polls, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Prior to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two groups of envoys had visited J&K.
What did the MEA spokesperson say?
The comments by MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava came at the end of the two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir by the envoys. "The idea behind facilitating these visits was to enable Foreign Heads of Missions to get a better sense of the ground situation and the prevailing normalcy in the union territory," Srivastava said, replying to a media query.
Grassroots democratic institutions witnessing dynamism
"Subsequently, there has been enhanced interests in the ongoing political and democratic process, including strengthening of grassroots democracy in J&K," Srivastava said. "The present visit by the third group of Foreign Heads of Missions, is in this context, to allow foreign envoys to witness, first-hand, J&K's march on the path of inclusive development and the dynamism in the grassroots democratic institutions," he added.
The group comprised envoys from different countries
The group comprised envoys from Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, European Union, Eritrea, France, Ghana, Italy, Ireland, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Malawi, Netherlands, Portugal, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, and Tajikistan.
Participated in Block Diwas, a grassroots level democratic outreach initiative
On Wednesday, the group visited Srinagar and Budgam. "In Budgam, they participated in Block Diwas, a grassroots level democratic outreach initiative organized as part of efforts to promote good governance," Srivastava said. "The envoys got an opportunity to hear directly from the general public and local level representatives on the functioning of empowered grassroots democratic institutions, devolution of power, and developmental activities," Srivastava added.
In Srinagar, they interacted with representatives of various local bodies
In Srinagar, Srivastava said they had a fruitful interaction with the elected representatives of the Urban Local Bodies, District Development Councils (DDC), and the Block Development Councils (BDC) from all districts of the Kashmir Division representing regional and national political parties. The group also visited the Hazratbal Shrine, the holiest and most revered mosque in Srinagar frequented by scores of locals for mass prayers.
They were briefed about the prevailing security situation
"Today, the group visited Chinar Corps headquarters in Srinagar, where they received a briefing on the prevailing security situation, including external threats, in J&K and on initiatives of J&K Police relating to community policing and engagement," Srivastava said. The group met the Chief Justice of Union Territories of J&K, and Ladakh, the J&K Lt. Governor, other senior officials, and members of the civil society.
During interaction, Chief Justice highlighted the role played by judiciary
"During the interaction, the Chief Justice highlighted the role played by the judiciary in enhancing access to the legal system for the common people in Jammu and Kashmir, including to preserve rule of law and protect the rights of the people," the MEA spokesperson said.
