Washington DC, August 6: The United States said on Tuesday it was “closely following” all events in Jammu and Kashmir after the Indian government scrapped Article 370 of its constitution removing special status given to the state.
According to ANI news reports, the US, however, expressed deep concern over the development and reports of house arrest of political leaders in the state.
US state department spokesperson Morgan Ortagun, in an official statement, said: “We are closely following the events in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. We take note of India’s announcement revising the constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir and India’s plan to split the state into two union territories. We note that the Indian government has described these actions as strictly an internal matter.”
The statement was published by White House bureau chief Steven Herman of Voice of America on his official Twitter handle.
The statement added, “We are concerned about reports of detentions and urge respect for individual rights and discussion with those in affected communities. We call on all parties to maintain peace and stability along the Line of Control.”