Sweden tells India to restore free movement, communication opportunities in IoK

• The Swedish FM said that situation in IoK is worrying and dialogue between India and Pakistan is crucial.
• "A long-term political solution to the situation must involve Kashmir’s inhabitants,"Anne Linde added.

Ahead of its delegation's arrival, Sweden has sent a strong message to India asking it to lift the restrictions in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) which has been in lockdown since August 5 when the government revoked Article 370 from its constitution.

The Swedish Royal couple King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Foreign Minister (FM) Anne Linde and other senior ministers are set to arrive in India on December 1. Speaking on the floor of the Parliament, the Swedish FM said that situation in IoK is worrying and 'dialogue between India and Pakistan is crucial.'

She further said that Sweden and the European Union (EU) have had direct contacts with both India and Pakistan on this issue, adding that the government is closely following the changes that have taken place in IoK. "Together with the EU, Sweden is closely following the changes that have taken place in Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional status and notes information that has emerged about how the development affects the situation for human rights."

Addressing India, Linde stated that is crucial that free movement and communication opportunities are restored in IoK, Indian media reported. We emphasise the importance of respect for human rights, that an escalation of the situation in Kashmir is avoided and that a long-term political solution to the situation must involve Kashmir’s inhabitants,” the Swedish minister said.