US congressional subcommittee to focus on occupied Kashmir in hearing on human rights – World

A subcommittee of the United States Congress will hold a hearing on & # 39; Human rights in South Asia & # 39; on October 22 with a focus on occupied Kashmir.

"The hearing will focus on the Kashmir Valley, where many political activists have been arrested and everyday life, the Internet and telephone communications have been interrupted," reads a press release issued on September 30 by the president of the Subcommittee. of the House in Asia, Congressman Brad Sherman.

He added that the subcommittee's hearing will review the humanitarian situation in occupied Kashmir, as well as whether cashmere have "adequate supplies" of food, medicine and other essential elements.

Since the Indian government revoked article 370 of its constitution on August 5 (stripping occupied Kashmir of its special status), a strict blockade and blackout of communications has silenced the region silently. Now it has been in place for 59 days.

"In August, I had the opportunity to meet with Americans from the Kashmir Valley in the San Fernando Valley, along with my colleague Congressman André Carson (D-IN). We heard stories of difficulties encountered by my constituents and others, and fears that they have for their loved ones. Since then I have had several additional meetings with Kashmir Americans. I hope to learn more about human rights in Kashmir, "said the US congressman.

According to the press release, Alice Buss, a senior official of the State Department for South Asia and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Office of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Scott Busby, will testify during the October 22 meeting. In addition, Sherman said other State Department officials have been invited and also expect to receive news from private human rights activists on the issues.

Last week, Wells said the United States had serious concerns about repression in occupied Kashmir.

"We hope to see a quick action: the lifting of restrictions and the release of detainees," Wells told reporters.

"The United States is concerned about widespread detentions, including those of politicians and business leaders, and restrictions on residents of Jammu and Kashmir," he said, adding: "We expect the Indian government to resume political commitment to local leaders." . and the programming of the promised elections as soon as possible. "

The next subcommittee hearing will also focus on other issues, such as the Tamils ​​of Sri Lanka, the human rights situation in Pakistan, including Sindh and Muslims in Assam.