To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what discussions he has had with his Indian counterpart on the communications blackout in Kashmir; and what plans he has to support the humanitarian effort in Kashmir.
Answered on
4 November 2019
The continued use of detentions and restrictions on communications in India-administered Kashmir is of concern. It is important that individual rights are fully respected and that there is constructive dialogue with affected communities.
We are monitoring the situation in Kashmir closely and are in regular contact with the Indian Government. The Prime Minister has spoken to Prime Minister Modi about the situation in Kashmir, and the Foreign Secretary has spoken to Indian Minister of External Affairs Jaishankar to express concerns around the situation. The Minister for South Asia has also had regular engagement with the Indian High Commissioner. He raised the situation in Kashmir with the Indian Minister for Minority Affairs earlier this month.
We urge the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that the humanitarian needs of the people of India-administered Kashmir and Pakistan-administered Kashmir are being met, and encourage India and Pakistan to engage in dialogue to find lasting, diplomatic solutions to maintain regional stability.