NEW DELHI -India officially responds over the diplomatic snub from UnitedStates.
The External Affairs Ministry has refused to comment on the U.S. Houseresolution on Jammu and Kashmir introduced by Indian-American lawmakerPramila Jayapallink,even as the government stepped up efforts to ensure that the resolution isnot passed, with officials reaching out to Congressmen and women as well asthe Indian diaspora to mobilise support.
Sources said India is also hopeful that U.S. House members of the Indiacaucus will move the process in their favour, while former diplomats saidthe larger fallout of the resolution was in the optics, not in itssubstance.
“I think [the resolution] has a lot of sensation value, because while amotion on human rights in the U.S. House or Senate is not uncommon, but onetabled by a person of Indian origin is rare, and countries like Pakistanwill use this for their propaganda purposes,” said former Ambassador to theU.S. Lalit Mansingh.
“I think we have enough support on Capitol Hill for this resolution not tosee light of day this time around as well,” Mr. Mansingh added. Accordingto other diplomats, the introduction of the resolution (H.Res 745) is aconcern because it is among the first such resolutions criticising theIndian government for restrictions in Jammu and Kashmirlink2000.
However, officials dismissed those concerns and the fact that the currentresolution has been introduced by a Republican representative SteveWatkins, and Ms. Jayapal, a Democrat, and said the resolution had “limitedresonance” and would not be endorsed by many.