Iran Press/Asia: Five United Nations human rights experts have urged the Indian government to end the 'crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and peaceful protests' imposed in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of the state's special status.
The experts described the prevailing situation in the erstwhile state as 'collective punishment' for the entire population of Jammu and Kashmir, News18.com reported.
The experts expressed concern that the prohibitive measures, imposed after the Parliament earlier this month revoked the constitutionally-mandated status of Jammu and Kashmir, would exacerbate tensions in the region.
“The shutdown of the internet and telecommunication networks, without justification from the government, is inconsistent with the fundamental norms of necessity and proportionality,” said a statement from the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner.
“Blackout is a form of collective punishment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, without even a pretext of a precipitating offence,” the statement added.
India and Pakistan have fought several bitter wars over Kashmir, a mountainous, predominantly Muslim territory claimed by both countries.
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei also urged India to observe fair policy in Kashmir.
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Use of live fire
The experts also voiced concern about the curfew imposed across the region, with 'massive numbers of troops [brought in] to enforce restrictions on the freedom of movement and of peaceful assembly, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.'
The military buildup in the region, they said, has been followed by at least 4,000 detentions and heightened the risk of forced disappearance.
They also noted the 'excessive use of force against protesters, including the use of live ammunition.' 213/208
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