Sanders slam 'unacceptable" conditions in Kashmir

Democrat presidential candidate Bernie Sanders expressed concern over the current conditions in Kashmir, terming it "unacceptable", a media report said on Sunday.

While addressing the Islamic Society of North America on Saturday, the Vermont Senator said the US government must ensure the implementation of international laws and should press for a peaceful resolution through the UN, The Express Tribune reported.

The senator said "crackdown in the name of ‘security' (in Kashmir) is also denying the Kashmiri people access to medical care".

He also condemned the increasing hate crimes against the Muslim community in the US, calling it "domestic terrorism".

"We must speak out when we have a president and an administration who believes that Islam hates us," he said.

Last week, Democratic congresswoman Ilhan Omar also urged Indian authorities to respect human rights and to de-escalate the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Kashmir Valley.

Her reaction came hours after President Donald Trump, who earlier offered to mediate between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, said that the two countries "can handle the issue on their own, but I am here".

Tensions have escalated between India and Pakistan ever since New Delhi on August 5 revoked Article 370 of its Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and divided it into two Union Territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.IANS