New Delhi: Notwithstanding the warnings and caution that India has faced at the US Congress over its moves in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, New Delhi has also enjoyed support from some prominent Congressmen.
As many as six US lawmakers have so far come out strongly in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for abrogating Article 370, which granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, and the communication lockdown in the union territory.
According to these lawmakers — George Holding, Pete Olson, Francis Rooney, Joe Wilson, Ted Yoho and Paul A. Gosar — what the Modi government has done by way of imposing restrictions on internet services and detention of local political leaders in the Kashmir valley, will help strengthen India’s security while curtailing infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan.
The latest to join the list was Gosar, a Republican member of the House of Representative from Arizona, who last week said Article 370 was an “outdated provision” of the Indian Constitution and the “polarised political environment that it created resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent lives within the region”.
“Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that this change (abrogation of Article 370) was necessary to facilitate peace and economic prosperity,” he had stated. “I applaud Prime Minister Modi and the Parliament for their leadership on ensuring the stability of Jammu-Kashmir.”
Gosar’s remarks in the House of Representatives come even as a resolution was introduced in the US Congress in December urging India to put an immediate end to the communication lockdown in the Valley.
The resolution, which has bipartisan support, was moved by Indian-American Democrat Pramila Jayapal who represents Washington’s 7th district in the US Congress.
Also read: ‘Win over those who disagree’ — Jaishankar rebuff to Pramila Jayapal evokes mixed response
More backing for Modi government
Another influential Congressman who has supported the Modi government is Republican member Holding. He had stated in November that for the development of Jammu and Kashmir, it is imperative to have peace and stability in the region.
“The (Pakistan-based) terror groups have continued to engage in cross-border terrorism and have attacked civilians and children,” he had stated then. “These militant groups have also attacked migrant workers and those involved in the apple business, which is the chief crop of Kashmir.”
Yet another prominent voice at the US Congress is that of lawmaker Rooney, again a Republican, from Florida.
“Of the three claimants in Kashmir, India’s claim is the most credible. After the end of British rule, in the 1950s, Jammu and Kashmir — approximately two-thirds of Kashmir — acceded to join India,” Rooney had said.
“The state was awarded a special administrative status, affording it autonomy over internal administrative decisions. Over the years, the Jammu and Kashmir state government has increasingly aligned with the Indian central government.”
Ted Yoho, a Republican and Ranking Member of Subcommittee on South Asia, has also maintained that the Kashmir move by Modi is an internal matter of India, though he did question the ongoing restrictions there.
Also read: Respect India’s national integrity & unity, Jaishankar tells Canada during J&K discussion