November 25, 2019

Updated on Dec. 16, 2019

On November 21st, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib introduced a Congressional Resolution which, if passed, would condemn Indian government actions in India-administered Kashmir, urge the State Department to intervene on behalf of Kashmiri Americans, and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to ensuring freedom of religion in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The close relationship between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a source of legitimate concern for groups working on behalf of Kashmiris. In September, the same month that Texas hosted Trump and Modi for a set of rallies, Rep. Tlaib released a statement criticizing the “unacceptable actions” to strip Kashmiris “of their human dignity, put millions of people in danger, and seriously undermine democracy in India and Kashmir.” This Congressional Resolution follows through on Tlaib’s rhetoric. 

The Indian government actions ought to be condemned as part of their expressed commitment to violent Hindu nationalism. The regional internet shutdown is now the longest ever imposed in a democracy, only rivaled by countries like China and Myanmar. This is why, now more than ever, it is so important to support resolutions like that of Rep. Tlaib. Also, earlier this month, Rep. Pramila Jayapal introduced a separate resolution which would also urge a change in the Indian government treatment of Kashmiris. We are working with our partners, including the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), to ensure assistance for Kashmiris and a stop to the Indian government action in Jammu and Kashmir.