[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1640]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING PRIME MINISTER MODI'S EFFORTS TO PROMOTE PEACE WITHIN JAMMU 
                              AND KASHMIR

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL A. GOSAR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 23, 2019

  Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the current 
situation in Jammu and Kashmir within the greater context of the Indo-
Pakistani conflict.
  Just recently, the Indian Parliament passed legislation that changed 
the status of Jammu and Kashmir by modifying provisions that impeded 
economic development and affording the people of Jammu-Kashmir the same 
rights as the people of India.
  Article 370, an outdated provision of the law that governed Jammu-
Kashmir, is no more. Article 370 and the polarized political 
environment that it created resulted in the loss of thousands of 
innocent lives within the region.
  Pakistani-based terrorist organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba have 
conducted terrorist attacks that have disrupted the society and economy 
of Jammu-Kashmir. They have attacked innocent women and children, and 
agricultural workers.
  Prime Minister Modi has made it clear that this change was necessary 
to facilitate peace and economic prosperity. I applaud Prime Minister 
Modi and the Parliament for their leadership on ensuring the stability 
of Jammu-Kashmir.
  Madam Speaker, I would also like to commend the Trump 
Administration's continued work with Prime Minister Modi to ensure 
peace within the region.

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