WASHINGTON: Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib on Saturday expressed concern over Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir.
In her statement, Rasida Tlaib said: “While I have deep respect for India and its important relationship with the United States, I condemn the Indian government’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, the communications blockade it has imposed, its suppression of life-saving medical care, and the reports of widespread violence, torture, and other human rights violations being carried out in Jammu and Kashmir.”
“These unacceptable actions strip Kashmiris of their human dignity, put millions of people in danger, and seriously undermine democracy in India and Kashmir,” US congresswoman said.
“People should not have to fear unjust detention, rape, or torture because of who they are and what they believe,” she added.
“I have met with residents in Michigan who cannot even call their families in Kashmir to ensure they are safe – a truly unimaginable situation as violence, militarization, and occupation continues,” Ms Tlaib further said.
She said, “Jammu and Kashmir is already one of the most militarized regions on Earth, and India’s recent actions create more instability and heighten the potential for accelerating violence.”
“I urge the Indian government to accept responsibility for the human rights violations being carried out in Jammu and Kashmir and hold the responsible parties accountable,” she urged in her statement.
“India and Pakistan both must begin implementing the OHCHR recommendations from its 2018 and 2019 reports on the crisis,” she concluded.
