Sweden calls for lifting of restrictions in Kashmir

Sweden has joined the list of European countries that have expressed concern about the security lockdown and communications blackout in Kashmir, with foreign minister Ann Linde saying India should lift the remaining restrictions in the region.

Linde told the Swedish Parliament on Wednesday that the country doesn’t want any escalation of the situation in Kashmir, and that any long-term political solution “must involve Kashmiri inhabitants”. Linde will be part of the delegation accompanying King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden on a state visit to India during December 1-6.

Earlier this month, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finland foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said during their visits to New Delhi the situation in Kashmir is “not sustainable”. They too called for lifting of restrictions imposed after the Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status on August 5.

There was no response to Linde’s remarks from Indian officials. Answering a question in the Riksdag or Parliament, Linde described the situation in Kashmir as “worrying” and said Sweden and the European Union (EU) support a “bilateral political solution through contacts between India and Pakistan”.

She said: “We emphasise the importance of respect for human rights, that an escalation of the situation in Kashmir is avoided and that a long-term political solution to the situation must involve Kashmir’s inhabitants. Dialogue between India and Pakistan is crucial.”

 

Sweden calls for lifting of restrictions in Kashmir

Sweden has joined the list of European countries that have expressed concern about the security lockdown and communications blackout in Kashmir, with foreign minister Ann Linde saying India should lift the remaining restrictions in the region. Linde told the Swedish Parliament on Wednesday that the country doesnt want any escalation of the situation in Kashmir, and that any long-term political solution must involve Kashmiri inhabitants. Linde will be part of the delegation accompanying King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden on a state visit to India during December 1-6. Earlier this month, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Finland foreign minister Pekka Haavisto said during their visits to New Delhi the situation in Kashmir is not sustainable. They too called for lifting of restrictions imposed after the Indian government revoked Jammu and Kashmirs special status on August 5. There was no response to Lindes remarks from Indian officials. Answering a question in the Riksdag or Parliament, Linde described the situation in Kashmir as worrying and said Sweden and the European Union (EU) support a bilateral political solution through contacts between India and Pakistan. She said: We emphasise the importance of respect for human rights, that an escalation of the situation in Kashmir is avoided and that a long-term political solution to the situation must involve Kashmirs inhabitants. Dialogue between India and Pakistan is crucial.