US lawmakers write a letter to the Indian ambassador demanding access to foreign journalists and lawmakers in Kashmir

Washington: Six US lawmakers wrote a letter to India's ambassador to the US Harsh Vardhan Shringla, seeking access to foreign journalists and MPs in Kashmir, claiming that the picture of the valley being presented by India was different from the information given by his side is. The lawmakers wrote this letter to Shringla after the US sought to prepare a blueprint for normalizing the political and economic situation in Kashmir and to immediately release political prisoners.

The MPs said in the letter, "We believe in complete transparency and this can only be achieved by giving journalists and members of Congress access to the area." We encourage India to open Jammu and Kashmir to journalists and other international visitors from India and abroad in the interest of independent media and to increase communication. ''

MPs David Sicilin, Dina Titus, Chrissy Houlahan, Andy Levine, James McGovern and Susan Wilde wrote the letter. In this letter written on 24 October, there are questions regarding the information given by Shringla on the situation of Kashmir on 16 October. "What was discussed during the meeting, many of our parties have presented a different image than the information of the situation which was shared with us," the MPs said.

Two days after the discussion on the human rights situation in South Asia, the MPs asked Shringla six questions. He asked, "Are all (100 per cent) landline services in Jammu and Kashmir subsumed or are there some remaining?" When will all mobile phone services including prepaid be restored? How will Internet services be fully restored? '' 

Under the Public Safety Act or other law, people detained since August 5 were questioned and Shringla was also asked to be as specific as possible while replying. He asked, "How many of them are minors?" What is the standard judicial procedure for those arrested under the Public Safety Act? '' 

The MPs questioned Shringla, "What is the status of the curfew implemented in Jammu and Kashmir? What is the government's plan to allow people free movement? When can we expect this? ”He also asked the Indian Ambassador why foreign journalists are not allowed to visit Jammu and Kashmir so far. When will they be allowed to visit the area? The MPs asked, "Will the Indian government welcome members of the US Congress or other foreign officials who want to visit Jammu and Kashmir?"