UK Kashmiri leader flags IIOJK abuses

President of Tehreek-e-Kashmir UK and President of the All Parties International Kashmir Coordination Committee Fahim Kayani has expressed grave concerns over the human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He was addressing the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

During his address, Kayani highlighted what he described as a "deteriorating human rights situation" in IIOJK, stating that political freedoms, due process, property rights, and the right to self-determination are facing increasing pressure.

He drew attention to the continued detention of hundreds of political prisoners, including Hurriyat leaders, journalists, scholars, lawyers, and students.

Among those mentioned were Massarat Alam Butt, Yasin Malik, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Aasiya Andrabi, Fahmeeda Sofi, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Dr Abdul Hameed Fayaz, Zafar Akbar Bhat, human rights defender Khurram Parvez, and journalist Irfan Mehraj, who he said remain incarcerated under stringent laws.

Kayani also raised concerns over delay in the justice system, noting that 351 sessions cases have been pending for more than five years, which he said reflects prolonged trials and denial of due process.

Addressing digital freedoms, he referred to a recent case in Budgam district where a resident, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, was booked by police over allegations of sharing "provocative" content on social media.