The United Nations (UN) human rights chief last week called for a major investigation into abuses in Kashmir, as his office released its first-ever report on alleged rights violations committed in the disputed territory.
People of Kashmir are struggling from last seven decades for their rights of self determination and amidst all the human rights violation by India, world leaders and United Nations did almost nothing to question India’s brutal use of force on innocent people. It took seventy years for UN to conduct and publish its first-ever report on the situation of human rights in Kashmir. Despite talking such a long time, the period of inquiry only covers the last two years from June 2016 to April 2018.
The report, which the UN said was the first-of-its-kind for Kashmir, highlights “chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces”, the rights of office said in a press release. The findings come after months of deadly clashes along Line of Control. The report said that Zeid who compiled the report met with representatives of both governments following an upsurge of violence in July 2016, triggered by India’s killing of 22-year-old Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. The report, which focuses mainly on India-held Kashmir, accuses Indian troops of being responsible for an estimated 145 unlawful killings, far surpassing the 20 people estimated to have been killed by militant groups during that period. India has about 500,000 soldiers in the part of Kashmir it controls, where armed groups are fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan.
Though report also unveils some issues in AJK, still Pakistan has welcomed the UN proposal to establish a Commission of Inquiry for international investigation into human rights violations in Indian held Kashmir. Pakistan has already called several times for international investigation against Indian systematic violations, including pellet guns, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detentions as well as continued sexual violence. But India always refused any investigation of the highest level and Indian security forces enjoyed complete impunity in the held Kashmir.
It is need of time to put pressure on Indian authorities to take immediate steps to halt ongoing use of force in held Kashmir. Because people of Kashmir are suffering from years and human rights violations must be stopped in the occupied Kashmir. Despite some question marks on the report for not unveiling the level of brutality used by Indian forces in held Kashmir, still it is hoped that the findings may yield positive impacts on plight if Kashmiri people.
It is hoped findings of report will yield positive impact on the plight of Kashmiri people.