ANKARA

The U.S. Congress has held a second hearing on the situation in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir with testimony from at least seven witnesses, including the U.S. commissioner on international religious freedom.

The livestreamed hearing Thursday was hosted by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, a body co-chaired by Congressman James P. McGovern.

Observers called it “crucial” for Kashmiris.

At the hearing, McGovern urged India to allow foreign journalists into Kashmir and to restore internet access.

Read more: US lawmakers host 2nd hearing on Kashmir