US Congressman Tom Souzzi apologises for Kashmir letter raising 'human rights concerns' to Mike Pompeo

After raising Human Rights concerns over situation in Kashmir after abrogation of Article 370 from J&K, US Congressman retracting his statement has issued an apology to Indian American community for t consulting m before writing letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Congressman Tom Suozzi in a letter to Pompeo on August 9 said that action by Indian government in Kashmir "risks provoking mass social unrest..."

"se new restrictions on automy of state and rights of Kashmiris could also embolden extremists and terrorists to act," Suozzi said in his letter after India scrapped Article 370 of Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated state into two Union Territories.

Enrd over letter raising concerns of human rights violation, several people from Indian American community, who also constitute a significant part of Suozzi's Congressional District in New York and h played a key role in his election and fundraising, flooded office of Congressman with agitated messs following his statement. 

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Following incidence, Suozzi called an emergency meeting of Indian Americans, which was attended by more than 100 Indian community members, who demanded lawmaker to withdraw his letter. 

Suozzi in a statement said, "On Sunday, I met with 100 of my Indian-American constituents regarding my recent letter to Secretary Pompeo expressing my concerns about recent developments in Kashmir."

"Based upon my meeting it is clear that it was a mistake to t consult with some of my Indian-American friends and supporters before I sent letter. I should have. I am sorry. If I h met with m before sending letter, I would have framed my concerns differently, Suozzi said.

He said that throughout his career in public service, he has been an ardent supporter of India, ir sovereignty, and have always stood with m in ir fight against terrorism.

US-India relationship will be one of most important over next 50 years and beyond, he said, ding that he has spent his time in Congress promoting and elevating this relationship and will continue to do so.

"India, world's largest democracy, remains critical for regional security and peace. current situation in Kashmir presents some very serious challenges. US should seek to be helpful in securing safety and peace for all people, Suozzi said.

Moving forward, I will make sure to solicit input of all of my constituents who have a vested interest in Kashmir and work towards a peaceful region that roots out terrorism and corruption as well as respects human rights. It is my hope, that recent developments in region will eventually le to this," Suozzi said.

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People from Indian American community said this was a statement in right direction, and sought a follow-up letter from him to Pompeo.

It is a statement in right direction, said Jagdish Sewhani, President of American India Public Affairs Committee. 

If any letter is requited, Congressman Suozzi needs to write to Secretary Pompeo about nefarious actions of Pakistan and asking to take decisive and irreversible action against terrorist organisations, Sewhani said.

(with PTI inputs)