India ignores request for OIC fact-finder’s trip

OIC's Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission again urges India to provide access to Indian Occupied Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) commission on Thursday again urged the Indian government to provide access to its fact finding mission for investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

The delegation of Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the OIC, on the invitation of the Pakistan government, undertook a three-day visit to Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from March 27-29, 2017. The delegation was led by its chairperson Med Kaggwa and comprised commission members Dr Rashid Al Balushi, Dr Raihanah Binti Abdullah, ambassador Abdul Wahab, Dr Ergin Ergul, Prof Saleh Al Khathlan and Dr Oumar Abbou Abba.

During its visit, the IPHRC delegation met the political leadership, government officials, Kashmiri refugees from IOK, media and civil society.



The commission took note of the serious and widespread complaints of gross human rights violations by the Indian forces against innocent Kashmiris, which have also been regularly reported by various independent sources including international human rights organisations.

It observed that the use of restrictive and discriminatory laws by Indian security forces such as armed forces special powers act is contrary to the international human rights standards. These laws grant sweeping powers to security forces to detain, torture and even kill suspects without any fear of investigation.

Also, the Kashmiri people are denied basic rights of peaceful assembly and association, freedom of expression and religion. There are widespread curfews and curbs on religious congregations for fear of protests and people have legitimate security concerns regarding protection of their right to life and dignity.

In due course, a detailed report of the findings of IPHRC delegation with concrete recommendations will be presented to the next session of the OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers for its consideration.