ISLAMABAD: A prominent rights activist and Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations(KIIR), Altaf Hussain, has passionately appealed to the UNHCR Commissioner to release a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
During a general debate at the ongoing 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Wani, representing the World Muslim Congress and the International Muslim Women’s Union, welcomed the High Commissioner’s statement addressing concerns over human rights situations, particularly in Palestine.
Expressing urgent concern over the deteriorating political and human rights situation in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Wani emphasized that Kashmir has become dangerous place, with widespread violations threatening the rights of its population of 10 million, who await their right to self-determination. He criticized India’s actions, labeling it an apartheid regime that flouts the United Nation Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on Kashmir and suppresses Kashmiri voices through intimidation, incarceration of leaders, and shrinking space for civil society.
Wani accused India of not only violating Kashmiri rights but also undermining and mocking the UNHRC’s mandate in the region. He pointed to draconian laws granting impunity to the Indian army as the root cause of human rights violations, lamenting that fundamental rights no longer apply in Jammu and Kashmir due to the imposition of harsh laws by the BJP government.
Highlighting the suffering of Kashmiris, Wani described a grim reality of stolen identities, broken families, half-widows, tortured and blinded youth, as well as imprisoned leadership, all consequences of decades-long oppression.
