Rep. Frank Pallone’s Resolution on Kashmiri Pandits in U.S. House of Representatives, H. Res. 1601
- REP. FRANK PALLONE 30 July 2010
HRES 1601 IH
111th CONGRESS
2d Session
Recognizing that the religious freedom and human rights violations of Kashmiri Pandits has been ongoing since 1989.
July 30, 2010
Mr. PALLONE submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs
Recognizing that the religious freedom and human rights violations of Kashmiri Pandits has been ongoing since 1989.
Whereas Jammu and Kashmir has an ancient culture of religious tolerance and pluralism, where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Christians practiced their faith freely in an atmosphere of mutual respect and peace until 1989;
Whereas Kashmiri Pandits are the original inhabitants of Kashmir, tracing their heritage and culture back several millennia;
Whereas Kashmiri Pandits have been the victims of documented human rights violations resulting in the severe curtailment of their religious freedom for more than two decades;
Whereas the Kashmiri Pandit population has declined from 400,000 in 1989 to a current level of less than 4,000 in the Kashmir valley and many Pandits continue to live in refugee camps;
Whereas international human rights organizations have noted the campaign of intimidation and violence directed by foreign militants and foreign terrorist organizations against Kashmiri Pandits;
Whereas thousands of Kashmiri Pandits, elected officials, and military personnel have been killed in terrorist attacks; and
Whereas numerous groups that have claimed responsibility for these attacks have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the United States Department of State: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved,
- That the House of Representatives–
(1) condemns the extremist violence, lack of religious freedom, and human rights violations committed against Kashmiri Pandits, which they have endured for more than two decades; and
(2) insists that terrorist infrastructure in the region must be dismantled and terrorists should be held accountable for their actions.
RESOLUTIONIN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. RES. 1601
