MUZAFFARABAD/ISLAMABAD: US Congresswoman Ilhan Abdullahi Omar has acknowledged that Kashmir dispute was not being talked about in the United States properly. She, however, expressed the hope that the situation would change soon.
Speaking to media along with AJK President Sultan Mahmood, Ilhan Omar said, “On the question of Kashmir, we held a committee hearing on the foreign affairs committee to look at the reports of human rights violations and to talk about the bigger issue with the Narendra Modi administration’s anti-Muslim rhetoric and how that’s leading to human rights violations as well.”
The US Congresswoman said: “I don’t believe that it [Kashmir] is being talked about to the extent it needs to be, not only in Congress but also with the US administration.”
She, however, expressed the hope that her visit would pave the way for “many more conversations” on the Kashmir issue.
Ilhan Omar said, “And that the condemnations and concerns of those who fight for human rights and the question of the Kashmir issue will be included in those [hearings].”
The reporters asked questions from her about anti-minorities legislation and state-sponsored assaults on religious minorities, mainly Muslims, in India, as well as the worsening human rights situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after it was stripped of its special status in August 2019.
A journalist asked if former prime minister Khan, who blames the US for regime change in Pakistan, had also complained about it during their meeting and if yes, what was her reply? Ilhan Omar, nonetheless, avoided replying to this question.
