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WASHINGTON: The United States on Friday expressed concern over the violence in India-held Kashmir, saying the Obama administration was in close touch with Indian counterparts and wanted to see the tensions de-escalated.
“We are obviously concerned by the violence and we want to see the tensions de-escalated,” US State Department Spokesman John Kirby told a news briefing, referring to clashes between protesters and Indian troops.
Kashmir is in a grip of intense violence since the death of young Kashmiri freedom fighter, Burhan Wani, who was killed by Indian forces on July 8.
A wave of protest that erupted after the violence has claimed lives of more than 50 people, mostly women and children killed by Indian forces.
Hundreds of people are at the risk of losing their eyesight after Indian soldiers used guns to fire pellets directly at protesters.
US media has constantly reported Indian brutalities in the renewed phase of violence.
“We encourage all sides to make efforts to find a peaceful solution to this, and I can tell you are, as you would expected we would be, in close touch with our Indian counterparts there in New Delhi as this goes forward,” he added.
Responding to a question on Afghan refugees in Pakistan, Kirby said that the United States recognises Pakistan's genuine concerns and its right to undertake appropriate measures to enforce its immigration laws.
He said the US government was in close contact with the government of Pakistan as it manages a complex issue.
To a question on Afghanistan, the spokesman welcomed Kabul for becoming the 164th member of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
He said the United States looked forward to working together with that country as a full member of the WTO going forward.
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Comments (76) Closed
Jul 30, 2016 03:49pm
Indian's thought they had blank cheque to inflict state terrorism on occupied nation of Kashmir. Reality hit. Even US, which is unashamedly trying to push India into NSG, breaking all the rules, has put its foot down. Saying enough is enough. The brutality is unprecedented. The statement should have been stronger.
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Jul 30, 2016 03:51pm
“We encourage all sides to make efforts to find a peaceful solution to this,"
What he means is , UN plebiscite.
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Jul 30, 2016 03:53pm
Finally the US woke up and spoke. After so many dead and maimed.
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Jul 30, 2016 03:57pm
India will not listen to anyone, even the US.
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Jul 30, 2016 03:58pm
Concerned? How come you are not outraged. More than 50 have been killed with 100's of young Kashmiris blinded for life by pellets and 100's more injured by the Indian security forces. When will you upgrade concerned to outraged?
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Jul 30, 2016 04:12pm
We appreciate and take note of your concerns. Thank you very much.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:15pm
What a serious joke? That's what they have been saying since last 70 years.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:16pm
@Lafanga Any idea on the count of Indian soldiers? Conflict has damage on both sides please me tion that as well
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Jul 30, 2016 04:24pm
@Tuluka Kudi; Not listening means deliberate attempt to escalate fire. And fire sees no logic. It knows only to burn into ashes. Better prey it does not lead into the fire that blasted Soviet Russia into pieces.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:27pm
@Tuluka Kudi Just like another brutal occupier force namely Israel doe not listen to USA.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:30pm
What is US saying to its Indian counterparts it is in touch with? The only thing there is to say is to resolve the decades old dispute. Anything else that USA tells India (like stop human right abuses, reduce military presence, engage with Kashmiri groups, hold bilateral talks with Pakistan, etc.) essentially leads to freedom struggle gaining more momentum.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:31pm
@bryan; Have some heart man. If there is no killing of disturbances in Kashmir, 1,300,000 families of the soldiers would die of hunger. Their bread and butter is in continued fire in Kashmir so that the fire in their kitchens back home should continue to cook.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:35pm
Govt of india should also express concern at recent spurt of Blacks being targeted with police guns in US
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Jul 30, 2016 04:38pm
@Houlbelat You got it. Thats why the INDIAN ARMY never allows Kashmir resolution by civilian governments. Indian army controls the government whenever it wants. The civilians have no say.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:39pm
He wasn't freedom fighter
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Jul 30, 2016 04:45pm
Bigotry, lieing, shamelessness are order of the day and being exercised in 21st century with full impunity and US is still assessing the situation. What a joke!
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Jul 30, 2016 04:45pm
All efforts to be made on social media by all peace loving people to shake up the conscience of the world on the plight of the Kashmiris.The Kishmiris are under bodily occupation but their heart and mind are for freedom.
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Jul 30, 2016 04:54pm
Freedom fighter is a better definition than militant.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:00pm
why does US matter?
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Jul 30, 2016 05:02pm
Need we address this long outstanding issue on war footing basis. If we want peace and prosperity in this region, should sir together to resolve issue through talk....This is the only solution we have at the end...
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Jul 30, 2016 05:05pm
So, “We encourage all sides to make efforts to find a peaceful solution to this”, he says. Those who propagate and try to pull wool over eyes that ‘it’s an internal matter’ should open their own eyes as America did not go with India’s ‘internal matter’ rhetoric.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:16pm
Usa need India...India don't need usa...so this is just formalities
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Jul 30, 2016 05:17pm
Good move by USA after seeing normalcy back in kashmir, children going to school, workers doing their work.We appreciate international media also not meddling with Indias internal matter.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:20pm
Glad to see USA is with india to deescalate the situation.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:27pm
and they forget the disastrous war in Afghanistan and Iraq among others. I wonder, why WE Indians and Pakistanis have to cry in front of Americans for all issues.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:29pm
The UN plebiscite should be implemented. The US show play their role, they are willing to invade countries to force democracy on others but here they do not want to know...
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Jul 30, 2016 05:31pm
Interesting to see that killing of 50 women and children is being ignored by Western Media and by United Nations!! Maybe sleeping OIC should take notice.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:34pm
We indians are with the government of india.we wont let our country to be devided again based on religion.kashmir is our land, our country........
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Jul 30, 2016 05:43pm
USA gives lectures to other countries but can't control the killing of unarmed blacks by security police due to hidden racism.
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Jul 30, 2016 05:43pm
@Ajay - India would be so relieved you are not the foreign minster!!!
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Jul 30, 2016 05:46pm
@Sushma, Qayamat tak - Keep reassuring yourself repeatedly with this 'internal matter' mantra, you might come to believe it one day but don't count on others!
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Jul 30, 2016 05:50pm
Talk is cheap!
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Jul 30, 2016 05:51pm
Good to see that the Indian mantra of Kashmir being an "internal issue" has fallen flat on it's face yet again.
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Jul 30, 2016 06:05pm
After all the US will blame Pakistan for this uprising.
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Jul 30, 2016 06:09pm
I salute the brave Indian soldiers for fighting the terrorists.
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Jul 30, 2016 06:12pm
After so many deaths in Kashmir, US only got concerned his partner in ongoing terrorism in Kashmir is not doing a good job suppressing Kashmirees.
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Jul 30, 2016 06:29pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hCxnHzgO7o
Watch some of the highlights of UN resolution on Kashmir
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Jul 30, 2016 06:42pm
@Kahmiri watch some of the sentiments of the inhabitants of kashmiris, and who they want to join,
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Jul 30, 2016 06:54pm
This is all eye wash. Mr. Modi is a call away from Mr. Obama & so far NO call. Mr. Modi & Mr. Obama are busy for India's NSG membership.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:04pm
Even US, which is unashamedly trying to push India into NSG, breaking all the rules, has at least issued a mild statement regarding Indian brutalities in Kashmir. What is US role as a major world power in getting Kashmir dispute resolved - almost zero. OIC, as usual is sleeping over it without even a statement. We must keep on trying to raise world conscience and sensitise it regarding Indian illegal occupation of Kashmir.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:05pm
United States being concerned over killings in Kashmir is not enough? The US must demand India stop brutal repression? The US Congress Human Rights Commission must be allowed to visit Kashmir, visa was denied by Mr. Modi? World media be allowed to conduct independent investigation in Kashmir. Finally, the UN Security Council must implement its Resolutions on Kashmir, which called for referendum?
India's state-sponsored repression and killings in Kashmir be stopped forthwith.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:05pm
Pakistan and other Muslim countries must press UN not only de escalate but resolve Kashmir issue. World in 21st century must help Kashmirees freedom and peace. Freedom for Kashmirees to form their own country, currency and constitution.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:13pm
Do more USA
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Jul 30, 2016 07:17pm
@Saurabh Two wrongs do not make it alright. Respect human liberty and rights
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Jul 30, 2016 07:25pm
Indians should stop killing muslim kashmiris, under pretext of attot-ang (forceful occupation).
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Jul 30, 2016 07:31pm
@zak Do you really think it will impact India. US has to make such statement sometime or other for things across the world. Kashmir is never US priority. They will only get worried if India and Pakistan goes to war. Else they are not bothered.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:34pm
The United States on Friday expressed concern over the violence in India-held Kashmir - USA is free to say anything - who cares ?
USA wants to strengthen ties with Emerging India - that's the fact, remaining all is nothing but just a statement with Zero value.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:43pm
Uncle Sam knows who is behind all the termoil.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:52pm
@zak Don't get taken in. India is doing exactly what the US has told it to do.
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Jul 30, 2016 07:53pm
@Temo Shanko"Uncle Sam knows who is behind all the termoil."
Yes. Uncle Sam!
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Jul 30, 2016 07:56pm
USA are most of the times are only "concerned" for this and that and nothing more.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:02pm
@Kahmiri It is sad that people who talk of UN resolution at top of their voice never read and understood it. This video is an eye opener many people not aware.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:03pm
@Raja This just shows the care that you have for ordinary kashmir people. No doubt they want to be part of Pakistan as nobody in India cares about their feelings wishes and human life including educted people like you. Very sad indeed.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:16pm
@ajay bhai we both need each other...USA is a superpower and is friend of India.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:20pm
@Muhammed Ali UK US is playing its role very well. stooping F16 sale to you and doing its best to send us in NSG group.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:24pm
@stranger Why don't Hurriyat people send their kids for so called freedom fight.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:48pm
@Anirban De read the article again. "US is in touch with India". Americans don't call but when they do, they don't talk, they tell you what they want. You will learn this very soon. In a few days india will halt the blood shed in kashmir because US has told them to.
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Jul 30, 2016 08:52pm
@Modi india was told of. How is that with india. US wants india to stop killing innocent civilian kashmiris and stop blaming pakistan.
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Jul 30, 2016 09:21pm
So we ignore them by ending dialogue after killing of Akhtar mansoor...they started to speak for us now though indirectly.this is what self respect can do..
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Jul 30, 2016 09:24pm
@Desi Dimag if you read the same newspaper then its US itself brushed aside involment of pakistan in kashmir uprising
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Jul 30, 2016 09:26pm
@Kahmiri watch pakistani flags in kashmir end of story
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Jul 30, 2016 10:30pm
@zak - Nope!
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Jul 30, 2016 10:32pm
@Lafanga - They know what and who is behind all this!
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Jul 30, 2016 10:33pm
Indian govt needs to change their stand and bring in Kashmiris lovingly as part of Indian spirit.
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Jul 30, 2016 11:16pm
@ajay"And India doesn't need Usa" and why you say so??
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Jul 30, 2016 11:34pm
This is to make Pakistani people & adminstration happy while working for India inclusion in NSG in coming October. India is happy with US on NSG commitment.
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Jul 30, 2016 11:40pm
US help India by nuclear deal 2008 , UNSC , NSG , FDI , supply high tech military hardware etc . US huge help for India makes India polite with US every time.
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Jul 31, 2016 12:05am
Well, India did not ask Kashmiri women and chilldren to be a part of the protesting group which attacked the Indian army. It is not possible for any soldier to discriminate between men, women and children when they get attacked at in groups.
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Jul 31, 2016 12:55am
Zak, who occupied Kashmir first by Brutal Army force in 1948 ? correct your fact, friend.
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Jul 31, 2016 01:25am
@zak US? Isnt that thm
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Jul 31, 2016 01:30am
again and always, SOS..
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Jul 31, 2016 05:16am
@zak: O really, what they going to do?. They are going to get you Kashmir?.
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Jul 31, 2016 05:17am
@zak :You are interpreting for the U.S?
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Jul 31, 2016 05:20am
@Harmony-1© Who cares?
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Jul 31, 2016 05:21am
@zak :1.2 Billion Indians has stated that the State of Kashmir stays with India, let me say again for you.
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Jul 31, 2016 05:24am
@Zealot :great, now you get kashmir.!!!!!!
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