Washington, September 28 (KMS): Indian-American lawmaker Pramila Jayapal along with 13 other Members of US Congress has urged the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to address concerns over the human rights situation in occupied Kashmir and lift the communications blackout in the territory.
A statement addressed to the Indian Prime Minister was issued jointly by the US lawmakers, Gilbert R Cisneros, Jr Judy Chu, Pramila Jayapal, Carolyn Maloney, Gerald Connolly, Ilhan Omar, Barbara Lee, Al Green, Zoe Lofgren, Andy Levin, Mike Levin, James P. McGovern, Jan Schakowsky and Katie Porter.
“On behalf of thousands of families across the country, who have been unable to contact family in Kashmir, we are urging the Indian Prime Minister to lift the communications blackout and address the ongoing humanitarian concerns,” the lawmakers said in the joint statement.
“India is an important US partner and the world’s largest democracy. As such, we hope that the Government of India will demonstrate leadership and lift these restrictions. The people of Kashmir deserve the same rights as any other citizen,” the statement said.
The joint statement, the lawmakers said, is in response to the imposition of media blackout starting August 5, leaving millions in Kashmir without access to mobile phones or the internet while many others have been detained. “As a result, family members in the United States and elsewhere have had no ability to contact loved ones in Kashmir, leading to concerns about their welfare,” said the statement.
