New Delhi, October 30: A European Union (EU) parliamentary delegation, after visiting Jammu and Kashmir, said that the problem of the Valley is linked to terrorism. Asserting that the Kashmir issue is an internal matter of India, the EU MPs clarified that they didn't want to interfere in domestic politics. They also denied having links with Nazis and said that their concerns about terrorism are not confined to just one place. Who is Madi Sharma? Netizens Dig Out Details About 'International Business Broker' Who Invited EU Delegation to Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference, the EU delegation said that it will "fully support India in its efforts for lasting peace and end of terror". Interestingly, Kashmiri media outlets were not allowed to attend the press conference. "We, the international delegation, fully support India in its efforts for lasting peace and end of terror... We thank the Indian government and the local administration for their warm hospitality," one of the MPs said. Europe Should Mediate in Kashmir Issue If India And Pakistan Want, Says EU MP Bernhard Zimniok During Visit to Valley.

The delegation said that corruption was rampant in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the central government's schemes were not reaching to locals. "We are Indian citizens and we want to be Indian like all other Indian citizens... we want to have development like other parts of country, locals told us," a lawmaker said. This is the first international delegation to visit J&K after Article 370 was abrogated and trifurcation of the state announced.

Henri Malose of France said, "I don't want Kashmir to become another Afghanistan, we want development, the change of status will give better chance to students to go to school." Another member from France Theirry Mariana said: "India is a peaceful country, Europe and India have historical links, we are here to find the facts, to assess the situation, we had good meetings with civil society, one group told me there is too much corruption in Kashmir and money never reaches the people, we are here to get facts and information."

Nicolaus Fest, one of the lawmakers in the delegation, questioned the Indian government over denying permission to politicians for visiting Jammu and Kashmir. "I think if you let in European Union parliamentarians, you should also let in opposition politicians from India. So there is some kind of disbalance, the government should somehow address it," Fest said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 30, 2019 11:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).