Influential US lawmakers have expressed concern over the situation in occupied Kashmir after abrogation of special status of the held territory.

The lawmakers, including Indian-American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, aired their concerns during a Congressional hearing on Human Rights in South Asia.

Jayapal in her remarks said that India being a critical ally of the US needs to uphold its commitment to human rights.

Another Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who has been highly critical of India on Kashmir, said that partnership with India is strategic, but is also based on common values of human rights and democracy.

In his opening remarks, Congressman Brad Sherman, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Asia-Pacific and Non-Proliferation said the entire world is focused today on what is happening in Kashmir.

NNR/Khokhar