NEW YORK, Oct 14 (APP):An influential American newspaper Monday called on the Trump administration to press India to end its “harsh” crackdown in Kashmir imposed after it annexed the disputed state more than two months ago, saying its repression there was not compatible with democracy.
“India has become a close ally of the United States, but that is only more reason for Washington to press (Indian Prime Minister Narendra) Modi to end the crackdown in Kashmir, including by releasing all political detainees,” The Washington Post’s Editorial Board emphasized, joining several other US publications in denouncing Modi illegal move to end occupied Kashmir’s special status.
“Sadly,” the editorial said, “(President Donald) Trump has no understanding of such imperatives — which, no doubt, is one reason the supposedly temporary measures of Aug. 5 remain in place.” These measures, it was pointed out, included the detention without charge of thousands of Kashmiri politicians and other leading public figures, and suspension of Internet and phone services.