UN Human Rights Chief Appeals to India-Pakistan for Kashmir Access

UNHRC wants access to Jammu and Kashmir as well as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to assess violation human rights.

Security forces keep strict vigil in Srinagar as curfew continues in Kashmir valley on 18 July 2016. (Photo: IANS)

United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, appealed to both India and Pakistan, on Thursday, to grant his team access to Jammu and Kashmir as well as Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Zeid said it was “unfortunate” that access hasn’t been granted yet considering “the seriousness of the allegations of the use of excessive force, allegations of state sponsorship of violence, as well as the number of people killed and the very large number of people injured.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein at the United Nations Headquarter in Geneva, Switzerland on 13 June 2016. (Photo: AP)

We requested full and unhindered access to the affected population, to interview a variety of individuals on the ground, including victims, witnesses, security forces, and with access to relevant documentation. Such access would enable us to provide an independent and fact-based analysis of the situation. Without access, we can only fear the worst.

Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, United Nation’s High Commissioner for Human Rights

India and Pakistan have been engaged in a war of words over the situation in Kashmir. Violent protests in the Valley have claimed 65 lives after Hizbul Mujahideen commander and youth icon Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter.

Indo-Pak Strain

The India-Pakistan bilateral ties have hit a new low in the recent weeks after Pakistan allegedly tried to stir the unrest the Valley.

On this Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave up India’s low-key stance on separatism and launched Balochistan offensive against Pakistan.

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