US Politicians want India to end Communications Blockade in Kashmir
Washington — Two American politicians wrote a letter dated 9/11 to the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to pressurize India to immediately end the communications blockade and release those who have been detained.
Pramila Jayapal, an Indian-American Congresswoman and her fellow Congressman James P McGovern urged Pompeo to immediately allow international media and independent human rights observers to investigate the reports of abuse in Kashmir, The National Herald India reported.
“We urge you to work across the Administration to press the Indian Government to immediately end its communications blackout of Kashmir, expedite the process of reviewing and releasing individuals ‘preventatively’ detained, ensure hospitals have access to life-saving medicines and protect the rights of the Kashmiri people to freedom of assembly and worship,” reads the letter.
“In particular, we are concerned about credible reports from journalists and advocates on the ground that the Indian government has detained thousands of people with no recourse, imposed defacto curfews and cut off internet and telephone access on the region,” they said.
They urged the Indian Government at its highest levels to make it clear that religious tolerance must be upheld.
Jayapal tagged the letter in her Tweet and said, “I continue to be deeply concerned about credible reports of a humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir. Even in complex situations, we look to strong democratic allies like India to uphold basic human rights and due process.”
I continue to be deeply concerned about credible reports of a humanitarian crisis in Jammu & Kashmir. Even in complex situations, we look to strong democratic allies like India to uphold basic human rights and due process.
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) September 11, 2019
Read my letter with @RepMcGovern to @SecPompeo ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sVwVwXFyWy
Indian Government abolished Article 370 and Article 35A in Kashmir on August 5, and since then all the Kashmiri citizens are locked up in their houses, and no telephone and internet connection has been granted to them. The move has drawn international criticisms and escalations world-wide.
