US senators asks Trump to help end lockdown in IoK

WASHINGTON (92 News) – A group of US senators have asked President Donald Trump to help ease the on-going curfew, lockdown and communication blockade in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) by the Indian armed forces. Senators Chris Van Hollen, Ben Cardin, Lindsey Graham and Todd Young wrote a letter to Trump. In a letter, the US senators urged Donald Trump for immediately act to stop the humanitarian crisis in the IoK. They expressed their concerns regarding the latest situation in occupied valley, the senators pressed the US president to ask Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lift the lockdown and curfew and release the hundreds of innocent Kashmiris detained under the controversial Public Safety Act. It is worth mentioning here that normal life continued to remain paralysed as the unprecedented lockdown entered its 40th day, on Friday, in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK) with schools, markets and other business establishments’ closed and public transport off the roads. “We write to express our concern regarding the current situation in Kashmir, which has grave implications for democracy, human rights and regional stability. While we support your [Trump] goal of working with the parties to help find a long-term resolution to the status of Kashmir, we write now to urge you to immediately facilitate an end to the current humanitarian crisis there,” the letters read. “With each passing day, the situation for the people of Kashmir becomes increasingly difficult. Therefore, we ask that you [Trump] call upon Prime Minister Modi to fully restore telecommunications and internet services, lift the lockdown and curfew, and release Kashmiris detained pursuant to India’s revocation of Article 370,” It added. On the other hand, lockdown, curfew and communication blockade continue to take a heavy toll on the lives of all residents irrespective of caste, age, gender and creed. They are facing shortage of food stuff, milk, life-saving drugs and other commodities. According to doctors at Soura hospital, Srinagar, more than six patients die in the hospital on daily basis specifically due to the lockdown-generated issues.