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European envoys seek better rights record in Kashmir

Josy Joseph in New Delhi

Five European envoys met the home secretary and the special secretary of Kashmir affairs Tuesday to present their combined assessment of the situation in the troubled valley.

Among other things, they have demanded that the human rights record in the state be improved.

Ambassadors of Germany, France, Finland and Portugal, and the charge de affair of the European Union called on Home Secretary Kamal Pandey and Special Secretary (Kashmir affairs), T R Kakkar in North Block.

They had visited the valley last October, after the Kargil conflict. The envoys toured Kashmir for five days.

Their assessment touched upon terrorists operations, possible foreign involvement, military presence and the sufferings of civilians in the state. Their separate reports were forwarded to their respective countries as part of the post-Kargil exercise in foreign affairs.

Later the envoys met and compiled a common report, which was presented to Pandey and Kakkar.

Authoritative sources said the envoys have pointed out the need to improve the human rights record in the state. They appreciated the fact that the Jammu and Kashmir government had formed a state level human rights commission, but pointed out that "much is left to be desired."

They appreciated the attempts of the Union and the state governments to improve the condition of civilians and the economic situation in the strife-torn state.

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