US Muslim congresswoman urges respect for human rights in occupied Kashmir

Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar has urged Indian authorities in occupied Kashmir to respect human rights and to de-escalate the rapidly deteriorating situation in the disputed valley after India's illegal and unilateral move of August 5.

We should be calling for an immediate restoration of communication; respect for human rights, democratic norms, and religious freedom; and de-escalation in Kashmir.

International organizations should be allowed to fully document what is happening on the ground.

Ilhan, one of the first two Muslim women elected to the US Congress, is a member of her party’s progressive wing and a sharp critic of President Donald Trump and of Israel’s policy toward the Palestinians.

Her reaction over the deteriorating human rights situation came hours after Trump, who earlier offered to mediate between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, said on Monday that “Pakistan and India can handle the issue on their own, but I am here”.

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Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi feels he has 'it under control' in Kashmir and needs no third-party mediation.

Pakistan and India both claim Kashmir in full. On August 5, the Indian government triggered a fresh crisis over Kashmir when it revoked the region's semi-autonomous status and imposed an unprecedented security lockdown in the territory.

It drew deep anger in Pakistan, which said last week it would take the case to the International Court of Justice.

PM Imran has now called for a UN action over India's decision to revoke autonomy from IoK, saying the risk of war between the nuclear-armed neighbours made the issue a cause for global concern.