STOCKHOLM: Sweden has expressed concern over continued lockdown and communications blackout in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the Swedish parliament, Foreign Minister Ann Linde urged India to lift the restrictions in the territory.

“Sweden and the EU urge the Indian government to lift the remaining restrictions imposed on Jammu and Kashmir. It is crucial that free movement and communication opportunities are restored,” she said.

Ann Linde said Sweden did not want any escalation of the situation in Kashmir and that any long-term political solution must involve the Kashmiri people.

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She said the Swedish government and the European Union were closely following the developments.

In occupied Kashmir, life continues to remain badly affected due to severe military lockdown and internet blackout on 117th consecutive day, on Friday.

The occupation authorities are likely to intensify restrictions on Friday in the Kashmir Valley to thwart big anti-India protests after the Jumma prayers.

Meanwhile, in a statement in Kuala Lumpur, the President of Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organization, Azmi Abdul Hamid has condemned the remarks made by India’s Consul General in New York to adopt an Israeli model to settle Hindus in the occupied Kashmir.

He urged the international community to take cognizance of the grave situation in occupied Kashmir and the provocative remarks of the Indian official that have serious consequences on the region.