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.”
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.
Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar has agreed to visit Islamabad to hold talks with his counterpart only if the topic of discussion is cross-border terrorism and not Kashmir.
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