KARACHI:
In one of its recent report, the Human Rights Watch has said that the policies and measures taken by the Indian government are aimed at targeting minorities. Meanwhile, the UN Special Envoy for Minority Affairs, Fernand De Varennes, and Special Representative for Freedom of Religion and Belief, Ahmed Shaheed, have asserted that the change in Kashmir’s land laws has further reduced the protection afforded to the region. The UN envoy urged the Indian government to ensure the protection of the economic, social, and cultural rights of the people of IIOJK.
It is no secret that India has formulated policies to systematically discriminate Muslims. The whole world, including international bodies and organisations, is well aware of India’s cruel, anti-Muslim policies, but there is no force that can control India at this time. Reports and statements alone do nothing as India is constantly intensifying its repressive policies by the day. Just yesterday, three men were martyred in the Budgam district of IIOJK during brutal operations and house-to-house searches.
It is about time for the UN and other international organisations to ensure that the people of IIOJK get their right to self-determination and ensure the protection of lives and properties of all minority communities, including Muslims, living in India. Otherwise the silence of the world will give India more impetus to commit atrocities.
Fahad Siddique
Rawalpindi
Published in The Express Tribune, February 24th, 2021.
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