Democratic presidential candidate Elizabeth Warren on October 5 voiced concerns over the restrictions and communication blockade in Kashmir, urging India to respect the rights of the people of Kashmir.
“The US-India partnership has always been rooted in our shared democratic values. I’m concerned about recent events in Kashmir, including a continued communications blackout and other restrictions. The rights of the people of Kashmir must be respected,” Ms. Warren tweeted.
The Massachusetts Senator is the second influential American politician to raise concerns over Kashmir. Her statement comes a month after fellow Democrat Bernie Sanders expressed similar concerns. Addressing the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Houston on September 1, Mr. Sanders said he was “deeply concerned” about the situation in Kashmir and asked the U.S. government to “speak out boldly” in support of a UN-backed peaceful resolution to resolve the issue. “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Kashmir...India’s action is unacceptable,” he said while addressing one of the largest Muslim gatherings in the U.S.
In an opinion piece in Houston Chronicle , Mr. Sanders wrote on September 22 that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump’s joint address at the “Howdy, Modi” event was happening at a time when Kashmir remained under lockdown. “When President (Donald) Trump meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Houston, we will hear much about the friendship between the American and Indian peoples. However, there will be a deafening silence when it comes to a human rights crisis unfolding right before our eyes - and that is unacceptable,” he said.
