Ilhan visits AJK to ascertain rights abuses in IIOJK

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar on Thursday made a rare visit by a US lawmaker to Azad Jammu and Kashmir to gain first-hand information about the current human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the issue should get more attention from the US.

“The United States Foreign Affairs Committee has previously held hearings to investigate the reports of human rights violations in IIOJK and discussed the Modi administration’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and its effects,” Congresswoman Ilhan said while addressing a news conference following her meeting with AJK President Sultan Mahmood Chaudhry.

Hoping her visit to AJK motivates more conversations, Ilhan said, “I don't believe that it (Kashmir) is being talked about to the extent it needs to in Congress but also with the administration. The condemnations and concerns of those who fight for human rights and the question of Kashmir will be included in future hearings in the USA.”

Ilhan, a Somali American who belongs to President Joe Biden's Democratic Party, is the first naturalised citizen of African birth to sit in the US Congress. She arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday and since then has met Pakistan's leaders.

The congresswoman reiterated that she was honoured for the opportunity to be included in the conversation regarding the rights of Kashmir, and looked forward to directly learning about the situation.

“For me, human rights have been a priority of my work, and you can’t fight for the right of others if you do not have the proper information,” she said.

President Sultan said that Ilhan had been vocal about the issue of human rights violations and he greatly appreciated the dialogue.

He underscored that Pakistan and the US enjoyed an “outstanding relationship and in this association, the visit of Congresswoman Ilhan Omar will be a landmark”.

Read US values its ties with Pakistan: Ilhan Omar

The AJK president added that discussions with the congresswoman regarding the Kashmir issue and the ways in which the struggle could be promoted would prove useful for the settlement of Jammu and Kashmir as per the wishes of its people.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Sultan said it was the first US delegation in the region in three years and Ilhan not only expressed solidarity with the Kashmiris but condemned the atrocities being committed by India in IIOJK.

Subsequently, Ilhan visited the Line of Control and was briefed about the current situation of the forward areas.

Earlier this month, Ilhan questioned what she called the reluctance of the US government to criticise Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government on human rights.

Days later, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was monitoring what he described as a rise in human rights abuses in India by some officials, in a rare direct rebuke by Washington of New Delhi's rights record.

India has long faced allegations of rights abuses in IIOJK, charges New Delhi denies. It tightly controls access to the occupied valley for foreign observers, including the UN.

Indian criticism

New Delhi sharply criticised Ilhan’s visit.

"Let me just say that if such a politician wishes to practise her narrow-minded politics at home, that's her business," Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for India's foreign ministry said. "But violating our territorial integrity and sovereignty... makes this ours and we think the visit is condemnable."