Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, an Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jaypal on Saturday said she was “deeply troubled” over arrests in Jammu and Kashmir after India revoked the Article 370, which granted special status to the state.
"Deeply troubled by reports of Indian Govt's arrests of 2,000 in Kashmir. This on top of reported plans for large-scale gov't detention camps for Muslims. Using fear & hyper-patriotism to suppress dissent is as detrimental in India as it is America," tweeted Jayapal, the first-ever and the only Indian American to be elected to the United States House of Representatives.
Deeply troubled by reports of Indian Govt's arrests of 2,000 in Kashmir. This on top of reported plans for large-scale gov't detention camps for Muslims. Using fear & hyper-patriotism to suppress dissent is as detrimental in India as it is America. (1/2) https://t.co/yBWvpClWMQ
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) August 24, 2019
Sharing a New York Times news report on her Twitter account, the Democratic Congresswoman from Washington State, wrote: "Democracy requires transparency, due process and freedom of assembly and speech. These are absolutely essential, even in the most complex of situations.”
(2/2) Democracy requires transparency, due process and freedom of assembly & speech. These are absolutely essential, even in the most complex of situations. https://t.co/bMaBqM3xT9
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) August 24, 2019
‘Very Concerned About Kashmir’
Congressman Adam Schiff tweeted: “The situation in Kashmir remains deeply concerning, with thousands of civilians still detained without charges and with no access to the outside world. Fundamental human rights like free speech and access to information must be protected.”
The situation in Kashmir remains deeply concerning, with thousands of civilians still detained without charges and with no access to the outside world.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) August 24, 2019
Fundamental human rights like free speech and access to information must be protected. https://t.co/pD1Ouvkqm4
Congressman Peter King on Friday met Indian Consul General in New York to discuss the dispute between nuclear-armed rivals over Kashmir.
"Met with Consul General of India to discuss India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir. Told him I understood India's action & had concerns over Islamist elements in Pakistan & Kashmir. But b/c of sensitivity & both countries being nuclear powers urged need to seek a diplomatic solution," King wrote.
Met with Consul General of India to discuss India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir. Told him I understood India’s action & had concerns over Islamist elements in Pakistan & Kashmir. But b/c of sensitivity & both countries being nuclear powers urged need to seek diplomatic solution. pic.twitter.com/dQigKGY84K
— Rep. Pete King (@RepPeteKing) August 23, 2019
Congressman Don Beyer tweeted: “Very concerned about the situation in Kashmir, particularly the ongoing communications blackout. Have heard from constituents cut off from their families who are worried about what will happen to them. Despite the blackout, the world is watching.”
Very concerned about the situation in Kashmir, particularly the ongoing communications blackout. Have heard from constituents cut off from their families who are worried about what will happen to them. Despite the blackout, the world is watching. https://t.co/lbBT970t0J
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) August 21, 2019
After the Indian government announced revoking Article 370, security was beefed up in the state plus mobile and internet services were suspended. As the situation has been improving bit by bit, restrictions were lifted from most of the Kashmir on Saturday.
By Sowmya Sangam
