German envoy cautions India on Kashmir issue

New Delhi: India may have managed to convince the world on the issue of Kashmir for the time being but the international community is keenly following the developments in the new Union Territory.

German ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner said on Monday that though the issue of Kashmir is a bilateral matter between India and Pakistan and repealing of Article 370 is an internal matter of India, the international community would still like to see an early easing out of restrictions in the state.

“Kashmir is a bilateral issue and the repealing of Article 370 is an internal matter of India. But it has consequences in the regional surrounding. We would very much like to see these bilateral contacts (between India and Pakistan) remaining. We would like to see, as early as possible, lifting of restrictions there (in Kashmir). It (lifting of restrictions) has to be done in accordance with the security issues and other issues but there should be no violation of human rights and transgression of any provisions,” Mr Lindner said.

The ambassador’s statement is a reflection of the general mood in the international community that believes that communication and movement restrictions beyond a point can have a negative impact in Kashmir.

He also said that during his recent visit to Kashmir three months back, the people of the state talked to him about the need for jobs, more tourists, infrastructure and general development. Mr Lindner said that under the present circumstances, when the Indian government is talking about bringing growth and development in the state of J&K, the world community is keeping a keen eye on J&K.