US Senator Bernie Sanders Expresses Concern Over Kashmir, Says India’s Actions ‘Unacceptable’

Washington: United States Presidential contender Bernie Sanders on Saturday said India’s actions in Jammu and Kashmir after revoking the state’s special constitutional status were “unacceptable”, and said he was deeply concerned about the situation in the Valley.

Sanders, an independent senator from Vermont, said the crackdown on dissent in Kashmir “in the name of security” impedes the access to medical care. “Even many respected doctors in India have acknowledged that the Indian government restrictions on travel are threatening the life-saving care that patients need,” Sanders said at a public meeting.

“India’s action [in Kashmir] is unacceptable and the communications blockade must be lifted immediately, and the US government must be speak out boldly in support of international humanitarian live and in support of a UN backed peaceful resolution” @BernieSanders #isnacon pic.twitter.com/PrvgYzfqPs

— People for Bernie (@People4Bernie) August 31, 2019 

He said the communications blockade in Jammu and Kashmir must be lifted immediately. Sanders also added that the United States government must speak out boldly in support of international humanitarian law and support a United Nations-backed peaceful resolution that respects the will of the Kashmiri people.

A day earlier, US Congressman Andy Levin had also criticised the Narendra Modi-led administration’s decision on Jammu and Kashmir. He said Modi had trampled democratic norms and fundamental human rights and heightened long-simmering tensions between India and Pakistan.

The United States had on Thursday said that it was “very concerned” about the reports of detentions and restrictions imposed on Jammu and Kashmir residents. The comments came three days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met United States President Donald Trump at the G-7 summit in France, where Trump said that the Indian prime minister had the Kashmir situation “under control”.

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