London, September 18: The European Parliament has urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue in pursuit of a peaceful solution in Kashmir while urging for "normalcy" in the region.
During a debate entitled "Situation in Kashmir" at the European Union (EU) Parliament at Strasbourg in France on Tuesday, Finnish Minister for European Affairs Tytti Tuppurainen read out the official EU statement in relation to the Indian government's decision last month to revoke Article 370 and withdraw the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir. Imran Khan Sharpens Rhetoric: 'No Chance of Talks With India Till Kashmir Curfew Lifted'.
"Regional cooperation in South Asia is now more essential than ever. And, we will continue to encourage India and Pakistan to resume dialogue and find a peaceful solution for their disputes," the minister said, speaking on behalf of the Vice-President of the European Commission.
"Tensions in the region have increased following the announcement by the Indian government on August 5 of the revocation of Article 370. This step has been accompanied by restrictions of fundamental rights and freedoms… It is crucial that freedom of movement and means of communication are fully restored as well as means to all essential services," she said.
The EU also expressed concern that additional troops have been deployed on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC) by India and Pakistan.
"On both sides the issue of Kashmir resonates strongly with internal political dynamics...The EU position remains unchanged, which encourages India and Pakistan to seek a peaceful and political solution, respectful of the interests of the Kashmiri population on both sides of the Line of Control," Tuppurainen added.
The debate involved a series of interventions by Members of the European Parlia class="social-icon-sm twitter-sm social_clr_img tw" href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.latestly.com/world/eu-parliament-calls-for-india-pak-dialogue-for-peaceful-solution-in-kashmir-1203927.html&text=EU+Parliament+Calls+for+India-Pak+Dialogue+For+Peaceful+Solution+in+Kashmir&via=latestly" title="Tweet">