Repression by Indian govt intensified in IIOJK post 2019: report
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KARACHI:
While the world observes International Human Rights Day on Sunday, a report compiled by JK Voice of Victims quoted Amnesty International’s 2022 report and stated that repression by the Indian government intensified in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Rape, mass killings, torture, enforced disappearance, and suppression of freedom of speech are among at least 60 instances of human rights violations committed by the Indian army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Border Security Force of India.
According to the government’s data, 41,000 people have died in IIOJK as of March 2017.
However, on this day in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), in an attempt to safeguard the rights and empower individuals across the globe.
The commemoration of International Human Rights Day serves as a stark reminder of the significance of ensuring freedom from torture, slavery, discrimination, racism and gender-based violence, endorsing equality while reinforcing social justice.
December 10 symbolises the salience of freedom of expression and thought as well as the need to establish transparent institutions to protect citizens’ basic rights.
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It further encourages peace and security by solidifying the rudiments of reconciliation and eradicating the notions of conflict and violence.
World Human Rights Day is a testament to the importance of welfare and prosperity of individuals and communities by cheering access to education, health and fair employment.
As most countries in the world promote dignity, liberty and justice, Indian atrocities in IOJ&K have been prevalent since the annexation of the region.
In a 1993 report, Human Rights Watch stated that Indian security forces “assaulted civilians during search operations, tortured and summarily executed detainees in custody, and murdered civilians in reprisal attacks.
Although India signed the United Nations Convention against Torture in 1997, the blatant violations have continued, ignoring the conventions and fundamentals of human rights. At the same time, the Human Rights Act (PHR), 1993 of IIOJK stipulated the establishment of the NHRC and State Human Rights Commissions to look into alleged human rights violations by public servants, according to The Publication of JK Voice of Victims.
However, all of these institutions, including the State Human Rights Commission which was headed by a retired judge were shut down, halting all possible remedial measures.
Today, World Human Rights Day acts as a voice for Tahir Hasan Makdoomi, Muhammad Ismail Kalu and the people of Kashmir who have either been killed, tortured or disappeared.
The publication of JK Voice of Victims on this day calls for the repealing of draconian laws, restoring Articles 370 and 35 A and providing a chance of right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International also organised a human rights conference in Birmingham on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
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