US Lawmakers Write to Indian Envoy Seeking Journalist and Congressional Access to Kashmir

US Lawmakers Write to Indian Envoy Seeking Journalist and Congressional Access to Kashmir

Washington: Six members of the US Congress have written to India’s Ambassador to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, requesting greater access for foreign journalists and lawmakers to Jammu and Kashmir, citing concerns over transparency and differing accounts of the situation in the region.

The letter, dated October 24, was sent as US policymakers discussed preparing a framework aimed at normalising political and economic conditions in Kashmir, including calls for the release of detained political leaders. The lawmakers said the situation described by Indian officials did not fully align with information presented by other sources.

“We believe in complete transparency, and this can only be achieved by allowing journalists and members of Congress access to the region,” the lawmakers wrote. They urged India to permit independent media, international visitors, and elected representatives to travel to Jammu and Kashmir to improve communication and ensure accurate reporting.

The letter was signed by David Cicilline, Dina Titus, Chrissy Houlahan, Andy Levin, James McGovern, and Susan Wilde.

The lawmakers referred to a briefing held on October 16, during which Ambassador Shringla discussed developments in Kashmir. They noted that “many parties have presented a picture different from the information shared with us during the meeting,” prompting them to seek clarification.

Following a congressional discussion on human rights in South Asia, the MPs submitted six detailed questions to the Indian envoy. These included queries on the restoration of telecommunication services, asking whether all landline connections were fully operational, when mobile and prepaid services would be restored, and how the government planned to resume full internet access.

The lawmakers also sought clarity on detentions under the Public Safety Act (PSA) and other laws since August 5, requesting specific data on the number of detainees, including minors, and details of the judicial procedures followed in such cases.

In addition, the letter questioned the status of curfew restrictions, the government’s plan to restore free movement, and the expected timeline for easing security measures.

Raising concerns over media access, the lawmakers asked why foreign journalists had not yet been allowed to visit Jammu and Kashmir and when such visits might be permitted. They also inquired whether the Indian government would welcome members of the US Congress or other foreign officials seeking to travel to the region.

The Indian government has consistently maintained that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is gradually normalising and that restrictions were imposed as temporary security measures. Officials have reiterated that the matter remains an internal issue of India.

 

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