UK foreign secretary calls for probe into IOK rights violations

Human rights violations in occupied Kashmir is an international issue, says Dominic Raab

The British government has expressed "serious concerns" over communication blackout and detentions in Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK), terming it an international human rights issue.

According to The Hindustan Times, MPs in the House of Commons raised on Tuesday serious concerns on the situation in occupied valley after New Delhi unilaterally revoked the special status of its only Muslim-majority region in the rushed presidential decree on August 5.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab referred to recent discussions between premier Boris Johnson and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, as well as between him and foreign minister S Jaishankar, when he said London’s concerns on IOK were conveyed.

“The issue of human rights is... an international issue. We expect of all our partners that internationally recognised standards of human rights are respected and complied with," he said.

Raab said human rights violations in occupied Kashmir were deeply concerning. "They must be investigated thoroughly and promptly and transparently. The concerns and issues raised are very serious," he said.

MPs also demanded an end to the blockade in the occupied valley, as well as independent observers to be deployed to the region.

Meanwhile, a protest demonstration was held outside the Indian High Commission in London. Thousands attended the “Kashmir Freedom March” to protest against New Delhi’s strong-arm tactics in IOK.