JEDDAH: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned violence perpetrated by Indian security forces against Muslim civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The violence goes against India’s human rights obligations and well-established international human rights norms, the IPHRC said.
At least 20 people, mostly youths, have been killed, and dozens seriously injured, in the last week during a crackdown by Indian forces in Shopian district.
A civilian was crushed under the wheels of an armored vehicle, a video of which went viral on social media.
The IPHRC extended its condolences to the bereaved families, and said it shares the concerns of the heads of the UN and the OIC on the human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The commission appealed to the international community, particularly OIC member states, to press India to immediately end human rights violations and bring to justice all those responsible.
The IPHRC welcomed the OIC’s recent expression of support for the legitimate rights of the people of Kashmir, including the right to self-determination.
The commission called for the dispute to be resolved through dialogue in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
