India, March 31 -- "The (India) government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions," according to the State Department's annual human rights report.

The report released in Washington by Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday noted the release of detained political activists, the restoration of some internet access and the holding of local elections where an opposition coalition won most seats.

The report also drew attention to the killing and torture of government officials and civilians by terrorists while also mentioning human rights abuses by security forces.

The separatists, the report said, "committed serious abuses, including killings...