US Expresses Concern On Kashmir, Slams Pakistan For Backing Terror

A group of US lawmakers today expressed concern about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to the detention of local political leaders and activists and the internet blackout. The US had earlier agreed that the government’s move in Jammu and Kashmir were an internal matter of India. Some members also had strong words for Pakistan, saying it should take action against terror groups like Lashkar-e Taiba and Jammat-ud Dawa.
At a hearing on human rights in South Asia held by a Congressional subcommittee in Washington, Alice Wells, the Acting US Assistant Secretary of State, welcomed the Centre’s actions to normalise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The US supports the Indian government’s objectives “to increase economic development, reduce corruption, and uniformly apply all national laws in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in regard to women and minorities,” news agency IANS quoted her as saying.
However, “the Department remains concerned about the situation in the Kashmir Valley, where daily life for the nearly eight million residents has been severely impacted since August 5” when India scrapped the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, she said, reported IANS.
The Department, she said, has “raised concerns with the Indian government regarding the detentions of local residents and political leaders, including three former Chief Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir,” she said. “We have urged Indian authorities to respect human rights and restore full access to services, including internet and mobile networks.”
But while supporting the Kashmiris’ right to hold peaceful protests, she said the US condemns the actions of terrorists who undermine dialogue by using violence and fear. The US was “concerned about reports of local and foreign militants attempting to intimidate local residents and business owners in order to stymie normal economic activity”.
In this context, Ms Wells also had strong words about Pakistan. “We continue to impress upon Pakistan the need to take action against groups such as Lashkar e Taiba and Jaish-e Mohammad that seek to foment violence across the Line of Control,” IANS quoted her as saying.
Pakistan’s citizens, she said, also continue to face human rights abuses and discrimination because of their faith. Pakistan’s blasphemy laws resulted in dozens of people serving life sentences in prison.
Other lawmakers too, focussed on the situation in Kashmir and expressed similar concerns.
“I recognise that the situation is complex. I recognise that Pakistan is not without its share of responsibility,” Pramila Jaypal, the first Indian-American member of the US House of Representatives was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India. But India as the world’s largest democracy and a critical ally for the US, needs to uphold its commitment to human rights, she said, reported PTI.
Lawmakers Ted Yoho, Abigail Spanberger and Mike Fitzpatrick also expressed concern over the human rights situation in Kashmir and urged India to take steps to lift restrictions on movement of people, communication restrictions and detention of political leaders, reported PTI.
US President Donald Trump has already made several offers to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir. New Delhi, however, had given a firm no with a reminder that Kashmir was a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan and the current changes were a move to bring development to the state where terrorism had flourished.
Last month, during PM Modi’s visit to the US, President Trump said the Prime Minister had sent a “very loud” message to Pakistan regarding terror, and added, “I am sure he will be able to handle that situation”.