Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has called for permission for international organizations to go into besieged Kashmir in order to “fully document” happenings on the disputed territory under clampdown of heavy Indian military presence since August 5 revocation of its autonomy.
The Democrat from Minnesota also urged immediate restoration of communication in the region, where Indian forces are reported to have arrested thousands of activists.
“We should be calling for an immediate restoration of communication; respect for human rights, democratic norms, and religious freedom; and de-escalation in Kashmir,” she said in a Twitter post.
“International organizations should be allowed to fully document what is happening on the ground Omar added in the tweet.
Omar has emerged as an outspoken advocate for human rights of persecuted communities, and has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
Kashmir is partly controlled by nuclear armed South Asian foes Pakistan and India, and the area administered by New Delhi as been in lockdown since August 5 repeal of the region’s constitutionally mandated autonomy.
U.S. President Donald Trump has offered to mediate. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi – whose ultranationalist BJP party has adopted a majoritarian policy toward Kashmir – Monday described it as a bilateral issue.
Pakistan has reacted angrily to Modi’s move, with Prime Minister Imran Khan terming it a fascist move and a strategic blunder.
While the international community has condemned the Indian move, rights organizations and major Western media outlets have reported extensively on the restrictions and human rights violations in the Kashmir valley, where former chief ministers are among the politicians, who have been placed under house arrest.
