US expresses concern over recent Indian brutality in Kashmir

The United States has expressed a continuing concern over the recent grim situation in Indian occupied Kashmir.

The US State Department spokesperson, Morgan Ortagus, while talking to media in Washington said, “We continue to be very concerned by widespread detentions, including of local political and business leaders, and the restrictions on the residents of the region.”

“We are also concerned about reports that internet and mobile phone access continues to be blocked in certain regions,” Ms. Ortagus said, adding, “We urge authorities to respect human rights and restore access to services such as the internet and mobile networks.”

Meanwhile, the Indian authorities have further tightened curfew and other restrictions in occupied Kashmir to prevent people from holding demonstrations against the repeal of special status of the territory and taking out Muharram processions on Friday.

Hundreds of thousands of Indian troops deployed in every nook and corner of the territory continue to restrict millions of people to their houses since August 5 when Indian government revoked special status of occupied Kashmir.

The Kashmir valley remains cut off from the rest of the world due to strict blockade and suspension of communication links. Internet, mobile, landline telephone services and TV channels remain suspended in the Kashmir valley.

The residents are not being allowed to perform their religious obligations like offering prayers and taking part in Muharram gatherings.

They are not even being allowed to attend the funeral prayers of their dear ones who pass away.

The patients, doctors and medical staff are facing immense problems in reaching the hospitals.

The humanitarian crisis in the Kashmir valley is aggravating due to strict blockade as people are facing acute shortage of daily commodities like milk, baby food and life-saving medicines while pharmacies and medical stores have run out of stocks. Markets, public transport and train services are shut since August 5.