Indian-American Congresswoman 'troubled' by reports of arrests in Kashmir
Washington: The Indian-American lawmaker in the US House of Representatives, Pramila Jayapal, has said she was "troubled" over reports of arrests in Jammu and Kashmir after India revoked the Article 370 of the Constitution that granted special status to the state.
"Deeply troubled by reports of Indian Govt's arrests of 2,000 in Kashmir...," Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said on Saturday.
The Democratic Congresswoman from Washington State, Jayapal is the first-ever and the only Indian-American to be elected to the US House of Representatives.
"Democracy requires transparency, due process and freedom of assembly and speech. These are absolutely essential, even in the most complex of situations," said Jayapal, who is considered as champion on human rights issues in the Congress. She also shared a New York Times news report on her Twitter account.
Congressman Adam Schiff said that fundamental human rights like free speech and access to information must be protected. A day earlier, Congressman Peter King met Indian Consul General in New York to discuss "India-Pakistan dispute" over Kashmir.
"Met with Consul General of India to discuss India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir. Told him I understood India's action & had concerns over Islamist elements in Pakistan & Kashmir. But b/c of sensitivity & both countries being nuclear powers urged need to seek diplomatic solution," King wrote.
"Very concerned about the situation in Kashmir, particularly the ongoing communications blackout," said Congressman Don Beyer.
Security was stepped up in the Valley at vital installations and mobile and internet services were suspended after the government's decision to abrogate Article 370 on August 5.
On Saturday, restrictions were lifted from most of Kashmir and situation has been improving gradually.
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Hindutva leader Manju Kola stabbed during ‘compromise meeting’ at Malpe; Five arrested
Udupi: Manju Kola, husband of former Udupi City Municipal Council Vice-President Lakshmi Manjunath and a Hindutva organisation leader, was stabbed during a meeting held to settle a dispute related to a love affair at Malpe on Tuesday night.
Police have arrested five accused in connection with the case.
According to information available, Manju Kola had reportedly called for a compromise meeting near Malpe beach in the Palimaru area on Tuesday evening to resolve an issue involving a couple. During the discussion, a heated argument broke out and a youth allegedly stabbed Manju Kola.
He sustained injuries to his abdomen and collapsed. He was immediately shifted to a private hospital in Udupi for treatment.
Udupi Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar said that five accused have been arrested in the case. As per preliminary investigation, the incident appears to have occurred due to personal reasons. He clarified that there is no communal angle to the incident and urged the public not to spread rumours.
The injured Manju Kola is out of danger and his condition is stable, the SP said.
