Indian ambassador briefs US lawmakers on ground situation in Kashmir

India's ambassador to US Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday briefed lawmakers on situation in Kashmir and steps taken to maintain peace after Jammu and Kashmir's special status was abrogated. briefing, first such by top Indian diplomat for members of House foreign affairs committee, comes as re has been an increasing voice of dissent and uneasiness among lawmakers on curbs in Kashmir, several of which have been removed. Since August 16, re was gradual removal of curbs and by September first week, most were removed, officials in Jammu and Kashmir had said.

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Post-paid mobile phone services resumed in Kashmir

most prominent being restoration of post-paid mobile phone services on October 14 for 40 lakh subscribers across networks. Several Congressmen who were t members of committee also attended ambassadorial briefing and a majority of lawmakers were from opposition Democratic party. Congressman Ami Bera was only Indian-American lawmaker present at briefing. Shringla and or diplomats from Indian Embassy here and its consulates in New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston and San Francisco, have reached out to hundreds of Congressmen and ir aides after abrogation of state's special status. Since August 5, government besides restoring post-paid mobile phone services has opened state for tourists.

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On August 17, partial fixed-line telephony was resumed and on September 4, nearly 50,000 landlines were declared operational. Educational institutions are also open, but attendance has been slim. government has claimed that over 99 percent of area of state has restrictions on movement. Congressman Brad Sherman, who is holding a hearing on human rights in South Asia, in particular, Kashmir, next week, said lawmakers have been hearing from ir constituents and that re have been some alarming report of restrictions, on movement and communications and lack of access. He, however, ted that some of se restrictions have been removed in recent days.

Interestingly, it is believed that Pakistan did t figure in entire briefing that lasted for over 80 minutes. However, Shringla did mention human rights situation in Pakistan and cross-border terrorism. He briefed lawmakers on historic context of Kashmir problem, and steps being taken by India post-August 5. Shringla patiently responded to questions from lawmakers Lawmakers raised issues of missing persons, restrictions on movement and communication.

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Shringla refutes allegations

Shringla refuted allegations about missing persons and assured lawmakers that if any of ir constituents cant reach ir families, he will personally ensure that communication channel between m was established. ambassador said most of restrictions have been lifted and rest are being gradually removed. Congressman Pete Olson from Texas spoke about India-US relationship and 'Howdy, Modi!' event in Houston.

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