US Congress commission hearing on human rights violations in Kashmir

(PTI) Washington, Ta. November 16, 2019, Saturday

The US Congress Commission hearing on human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir had been finalized. Of the 84 members of the panel, only four were present for the hearing.

This second sitting of the American panel has failed after the Modi government lifted the provisions of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Republicans refused to attend a hearing hosted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission.

He said the commission is biased, one-sided and has lost credibility. Republican Co-Chair Christopher H. Except Smith, not a single member of the party was present for the hearing. Smith said that Kashmir is a bilateral issue between India and Pakistan. Pakistan needs to take action against terrorist groups operating in its territory.

Testifying before the Commission, Indian American columnist Sunanda Vashisht said that Kashmir is an integral part of India. India is not just a 70 year old nation. India is a 5,000 year old culture. Without India, Kashmir would not exist. Kashmiri-American Vashisht said the hearing was organized by a panel of experts supporting separatists.

He said that India's democratic credibility is extraordinary. It has curbed infiltration into Punjab and the North-East. It is time to strengthen India against infiltration in Kashmir.

Doing so will bring a permanent solution to the human rights problem in Kashmir. Texas Representative Shayla Jackson Lee asked to pave the way for human rights assurance in Kashmir. He said there should be a way to ensure basic human rights in Kashmir.

Anurnima Bhargava, Commissioner of the US Commission on Indian Religious Freedom and Indian-origin, claimed that minorities in India are scared. Religious minorities, especially Muslims, are increasing oppression in India. Bhargava cited the Ayodhya verdict, the NRC in Assam, the mob lynching and the removal of Article 370 provisions from Jammu and Kashmir.

Last month, a subcommittee on US, Foreign Affairs, Asia, Pacific and Non-proliferation of US House Foreign Affairs also held a hearing on the current situation in Kashmir. But a large number of members were also absent at this hearing.