US 'concerned' over continued detentions, internet-shutdown in IoK

• We look forward to a return to normalcy, says chief US diplomat for South Asian Affairs, Alice Wells.
• Earlier, the European Union refused to take part in a rare diplomatic visit to IoK because they will not be allowed to meet detained local politicians.

United States Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Alice Wells has expressed concern over continued detentions and internet-shutdown in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK) by the Indian authorities.

“Closely following US ambassador to India and other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step,” she wrote in a tweet posted on the official website of the US State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.

“We remain concerned by detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy, she added, before her visit to New Delhi.

Closely following @USAmbIndia & other foreign diplomats’ recent trip to Jammu & Kashmir. Important step. We remain concerned by detention of political leaders and residents, and Internet restrictions. We look forward to a return to normalcy. AGW

— State_SCA (@State_SCA) 11 January 2020

The US envoy will visit Pakistan from January 19 to January 22.

The visit by Wells will be a part of her 10-day visit to the region. During her visit, Wells will meet with senior government officials and members of civil society to discuss issues of bilateral and regional concern. According to a statement, prior to visiting Pakistan, Wells will visit Sri Lanka and India.

Earlier, the European Union refused to take part in a rare diplomatic visit to IoK because they will not be allowed to meet detained local politicians.

The security lockdown and communications blackout, still only partially lifted, has drawn international criticism including in Brussels and Washington.