Current situation in Kashmir "not sustainable", needs to change for sure: German Chancellor Merkel
New Delhi, Nov 1: The current situation in Kashmir is "not sustainable" and needs to change for sure, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday told German media ahead of her 'restricted meeting' with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and after co-chairing the fifth Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) with him.
However, the Kashmir situation was not discussed during the IGC and as per sources, Merkel expected to hear from Prime Minister Modi plans for Jammu and Kashmir during their 'restricted meeting'
"As the situation at this moment (in Kashmir) is not sustainable and not good, this has to change for sure," Merkel was quoted as having said by German sources.
The comments by the German Chancellor come amidst concerns expressed by some foreign lawmakers, including from the US, over restrictions imposed by the government post abrogation of Article 370 to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August.
After their extensive delegation-level talks, the two leaders held a 'restricted meeting' at the official residence of the Prime Minister in the presence of select ministers and officials from both the sides.
Among others present at the meeting included External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale from the Indian side.
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Karnataka Muslim Convention to be held as scheduled on May 16, say organisers
Bengaluru: Organisers of the ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ have clarified that the programme will be held as scheduled on Saturday, May 16, at 10.30 am at Town Hall in Bengaluru, and urged the public not to pay attention to rumours regarding any change in the event.
In a joint statement, convention coordinators Suhail Ahmed Maroor, Tanveer Ahmed and Yahya Damudi said there is no change whatsoever in the programme and that all preparations are in the final stage.
The convention is being organised by the Karnataka Rajya Muslim Sanghatanegala Okkoota.
According to the organisers, more than 45 Muslim organisations, associations and jamaats from different parts of Karnataka have extended support to the event and have assured active participation.
The organisers said the state government has withdrawn the restriction on hijab, but noted that nine other major demands of the Muslim community are still pending.
They said the convention is being held to urge the government to fulfil these constitutional demands without further delay.
