Amnesty calls for global action against rights violations in IIOJK

On World Human Rights Day, watchdog organises conference in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM:

On World Human Rights Day, Amnesty International organised a conference in Birmingham with the theme "Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All". The event sought to increase awareness and mobilise action for the protection of human rights globally.

Participants at the conference voiced serious concerns about human rights violations in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) by Indian occupation forces. They emphasised the urgent need to address these violations as part of a broader global campaign for human rights, calling for heightened attention and action on the issue.

Amnesty International reiterated its steadfast support for the people of Kashmir, demanding an immediate end to custodial deaths, torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as extrajudicial executions in the occupied valley.

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The attendees also shed light on human rights situations in various parts of the world, particularly in Palestine and IIOJK. Visiting the Kashmir stall at the conference venue, participants expressed shock upon learning about the situation in the occupied valley.

Fahim Kayani, President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK, curated the Kashmir stall, showcasing photos and reports on the situation in IIOJK. Reports covering torture, arbitrary arrests, black laws, and demography were presented to the visitors.

Kayani briefed participants on the IIOJK situation, calling for consistent support for the Kashmiri cause of the right to self-determination. He noted, "Palestinian Solidarity Campaign activists and Labour Party activists showed keen interest after learning about the plight of Kashmiris."

"Visitors were also surprised at how India seemingly escaped accountability despite violating international law," Kayani added.

Earlier this year, in response to the demolition of homes and businesses in Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, and Baramulla in the IIOJK, Amnesty released a statement, stating that the demolitions appeared to be an extension of the "brutal human rights violations the region of Jammu and Kashmir, the only Muslim majority region of India, has historically witnessed."

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Amnesty highlighted that these demolitions could amount to forced evictions, constituting a gross violation of human rights.

It is important to note that following the revocation of Kashmir's special status by India in August 2019, the region experienced a series of human rights concerns and increased tensions. There were widespread reports of arbitrary arrests and detentions of political leaders, activists, and civilians under laws like the Public Safety Act (PSA), allowing detention without trial for up to two years. The region witnessed increased militarisation and security measures, resulting in instances of excessive use of force.

Moreover, Kashmiris have been protesting against torture and abuse against detainees in custody, raising concerns about human rights abuses. Restrictions on civil liberties such as freedom of expression, assembly, and movement have curtailed the rights of Kashmiri citizens, adversely affecting healthcare, education, and the region's economy, impacting the livelihoods and businesses of indigenous people.