US needs to uphold its commitment to human rights: US lawmaker
WASHINGTON (92 News) – Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has said India being a critical ally of the US needs to uphold its commitment to human rights.
Influential US lawmakers have expressed concern over the situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) after abrogation of special status of the Jammu Kashmir.
The lawmakers – including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal – aired their concerns during a Congressional hearing on Human Rights in South Asia.
In her remarks, the Indian US Lawmaker Jayapal said that India being a critical ally of the US needs to uphold its commitment to human rights.
Another Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has been highly critical of India on Kashmir, said that partnership with India is strategic, but is also based on common values of human rights and democracy.
In his opening remarks, Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia-Pacific and Non-Proliferation said the entire world is focused today on what is happening in Kashmir.
US urges India to respect human rights in IOK
Earlier, showing concerns over the current situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), the US urged India to respect human rights and restore full access to services in valley.
This was stated by Acting Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice G Wells in a statement submitted to the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“The US is closely monitoring the situation in the territory after India’s decision to scrap special status on August 5,”Alice Wells said. She said the Valley has not returned to normal and the State Department has raised concerns with the Indian government regarding detentions of residents and political leaders, including three former chief ministers of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have urged Indian authorities to respect human rights and restore full access to services, including internet and mobile networks,” Wells said. She said both foreign and local journalists have faced challenges in access and reporting due to security restrictions.
