A combative US congressional hearing on Kashmir sees lawmakers point fingers at India, Pakistan

In what turned out to be a precarious balancing act, the Trump administration blamed both India and Pakistan for the prevailing situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Influential American lawmakers, during a Congressional hearing on 'Human Rights in South Asia: Views from the State Department and the Region', expressed concern over the situation in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the special status of the state, and said that, as the world's largest democracy, India needs to uphold its commitment to human rights.

"I recognise that the situation is complex. I recognise that Pakistan is not without its share of responsibility," Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said in her remarks. However, India, as the world's largest democracy and a critical ally for the US, needs to uphold its commitment to human rights, she said. Jayapal referred to a report about detention of dozens of children in Kashmir and said detention without charges is unacceptable. She expressed her concerns about religious freedom in India and said that she proposes to bring a bipartisan resolution in the Congress.

There were voices more critical than the others. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, highly critical of India, asked how there could a partnership between India and US, based on shared values. She said she was referring to the abrogation of Article 370, the NRC in Assam and the "Hindu nationalist" project of the BJP. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells disagreed with the characterisation of the Somali-origin lawmaker. Wells also came down hard on Pakistan, saying Pakistan needed to act against terror groups, like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), operating against Afghanistan and India. In response to a question from a lawmaker on what can be done to make India change stance, Wells said the relation between the two countries was not one of dictation but of partnership.  

The US has a strong and deep relationship with the Modi government, Wells said as she referred to the democratic process adopted by the Indian government in abrogating Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and Nonproliferation of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, in his opening remarks said that the entire world is focused today on what is happening in Kashmir.

Expressing concerns over the human rights situation in Kashmir, Sherman said that there are severe restrictions on freedom of movement and communications. Lawmakers Ted Yoho, Abigail Spanberger and Mike Fitzpatrick also expressed concern over the human rights situation in Kashmir and urged India to take steps to lift restrictions on movement of people, communication restrictions and detention of political leaders.

"Since the August 5 revocation of Articles 370 and 35A of the Indian Constitution, we have urged the Indian government to balance its security priorities with respect for human rights," Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Robert Destro told the subcommittee. "In August, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi announced a plan to return the region to normal order, which is something we would welcome. Thus far, however, the picture remains mixed," he said. 

Destro said that curfews have been lifted in most areas, landlines restored, and a majority of detainees released. "Still, internet and mobile phone services remain blocked in some districts," he said. "Reports indicate this has led to a shortage of medicines, delays in receiving healthcare, and stalled businesses. With communications blocked, local activists and journalists are not able to provide updates on the current environment in the valley."

Responding to a question from Sherman about Senator Chris Van Hollen who was barred from travelling to Kashmir, Wells said that so far US government officials have not been able to visit Kashmir to get a first-hand information of the situation on the ground. But it has maintained contact with the government, civil societies and the members of the press, she added. 

Fitzpatrick said the goal of the US should be to uncover the truth. She also called for a classified hearing on threats from terrorists from Pakistan in Kashmir.

Wells said that the situation in Jammu and Ladakh has largely returned to normal, but the situation in Kashmir has been an issue of concern. But over the last seven-eight days situation in Kashmir has improved, she added.

There have been reported case of difficulties on health care issues because of the restrictions on movement and communications. The US is reaching out to engaging a wide section and make a case for a political roadmap in Jammu and Kashmir.

Spanberger, who represents Central Virginia, wanted to know how the US is getting information from Kashmir as she is receiving two conflicting accounts from the state.

Appreciating the concerns expressed by lawmakers, Wells said the US has seen gradual improvement on the ground. But there is real hardship among the people, she said. Hundreds of people remain under detention, she added.

-Inputs from PTI