Kashmiri- American Delegation Apprises Congressman McGovern of Alarming Situation in Indian Occupied Kashmir
By Tahir Ali
Worcester: A delegation of Kashmiri-Americans of Massachusetts and local activists [National Delegates: Farooq Ansari and Tahir Ali] met with Congressman McGovern [MA-D] in his Worcester office. The topic of discussion revolved around the Indian government’s announcement of August 5 to revoke Article 370 and to subsequently impose a state-wide curfew and cut off all communications, leaving the Kashmiris living abroad with the dilemma and inability to reach out to their families in Kashmir for over 4 weeks.
Farooq Ansari introduced the members as each presented their respective views. James McGovern was very attentive as he listened to an account of the atrocities carried out since 1931 presented by one of the delegates. Others spoke about the human rights violations carried out and wondered why the world was silent.
McGovern said, "I raised the issue in front of Modi, and Modi got very agitated." The Congressman realized when you talk to the Indians they down play the issue.
The clampdown has affected access to critical medical care adversely. International media has reported people dying for want of lifesaving medication and timely care, and with curfew and communication blockade even help is helpless. Kashmir is being reported as the world’s “first mass blinding” from the use of pellet guns by Indian security forces. With around a million military boots on the ground the occupation has adversely affected the psyche of the common people as reported by international survey groups. Prominent international journal – Lancet - has published an account of the misery and suffering of the common masses in Indian Occupied Kashmir.
The Congressman was referred to as "Champion of Human Rights" by the delegates in recognition of his role in Cuba and South America.
One of the members of the delegation, a pediatrician who was born in occupied Kashmir, said that she still has vivid memories of troops walking in the streets where she would be playing. Through tearful eyes she could just imagine what children go through growing up in a place like that, where parents have been arrested and children are beaten by the army.
Another member could not hold her tears either when she talked about how women were treated by the Indian army. She talked about the many atrocities committed against women and families by the Indian army.
One of the members pointed out, "India and Pakistan have fought four wars over Kashmir. And now the world should be aware that both have nuclear weapons. This can escalate into a very dangerous situation, and the world should take cognizance of this." Other members assured the Congressman that the "blockade is real. None of us here have been able to connect or communicate with our families, even by calling a land-line."
Congressman McGovern went into action right away. He was expecting a call from the Ambassador to Pakistan which he took with us in the room. He mentioned the delegation sitting in his room and categorically said that contrary to what India has been saying the blockade has not been lifted. He pointed to the delegation as a testimony to the fact.
McGovern also made a speaker call to the staff Director to the 'Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress', of which he is a co-chair. Kim was introduced to all of us in the room, and was informed that the lock-down was still in effect. Kim noted that there is supposed to be a hearing on the Kashmir issue and it will be conducted by the Foreign Relations Committee. The Congressman assured us that if the hearing is delayed or doesn't happen, then his committee will initiate a hearing. "We need to help expose the truth with more clarity," McGovern pointed out. He mentioned that he will be writing a letter expressing his concerns to Prime Ministers Modi and Imran Khan.
James McGovern assured the members of the delegation that he will also seriously look into forming an 'Official Delegation' to visit the occupied area.
He suggested that we should also talk to Senators Warren Elizabeth and Ed Markey.
"The identity of the members of the Kashmiri-delegates has not been disclosed as per their request because their families are in India and they fear repercussions - hence no photos of them either were published in the report."
You all can ascertain for yourself how much fear is instilled in the American-Kashmiris living in the US for their families in India occupied Kashmir.
The one-hour meeting was phenomenal and gave much hope to the delegates.
