Washington, D.C. - In response to continuing tensions between India and Pakistan, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) is releasing a statement on the ongoing situation in Jammu and Kashmir:
"India’s recent changes to the status of Jammu and Kashmir are a drastic shift away from decades of precedent and policy, increase the potential for escalated conflict between Pakistan and India and raise serious concerns about the safety and security of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
First and foremost, I am committed to promoting democracy, human rights and self-determination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Accordingly, both India and Pakistan should refrain from incendiary actions that undermine security and human rights in the region.
While a final solution in Jammu Kashmir must ultimately be the product of bilateral negotiations between India and Pakistan, it is nonetheless critical that the United States have qualified, experienced diplomatic and political leadership at all levels of government when significant international events occur that impact U.S. national security. The Trump Administration’s failure to appoint a U.S. Ambassador Pakistan or an Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs has left the United States unprepared and ill-equipped to engage meaningfully to ensure the rights and safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
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