Observer Report
Washington
A sub-committee of the US Congress will hold a hearing on ‘Human Rights in South Asia’ on October 22 with a focus on occupied Kashmir, read a press release issued by Chairman House Subcommittee on Asia Congressman Brad Sherman. “The hearing will focus on the Kashmir Valley, where many political activists have been arrested and daily life, the internet, and telephone communications have been interrupted,” it read. “The hearing will also review the humanitarian situation in Kashmir and whether Kashmiris have adequate supplies of food, medicine, and other essentials.” On August 5, India revoked occupied Kashmir’s autonomy, dividing the disputed territory into two regions to be controlled by New Delhi. A draconian lockdown was imposed in the region and all communications were cut. A strict curfew – soon to enter its third month – is in place in the occupied valley.
