On backdrop of normalcy in valley, UN again wailing about ‘rights’ and communication shutdown in Kashmir
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United Nations, Aug. 22: India’s historic decision on Abrogation of Article 370 is not yet digested by Pakistan. Pakistan like cry baby ran to UNSC for the decision on this issue. But UNSC also closed doors. But now, UN’s Rights Experts playing a new tune.
In today’s official statement, the UN's Human Rights High Commissioner Office said, “UN human rights experts today called on the Government of India to end the crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and peaceful protests imposed in Indian-Administered Kashmir this month”.
The UN experts expressed concern that the measures, imposed after the Indian Parliament revoked the Constitutionally-mandated status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, would exacerbate tensions in the region.
UN’s Reports are far from reality. The official statement described a ‘near-total communications blackout in Jammu and Kashmir since the evening of 4 August, with internet access, mobile phone networks, and cable and Kashmiri television channels cut off’.
UN’s experts said, “The shutdown of the internet and telecommunication networks, without justification from the Government, are inconsistent with the fundamental norms of necessity and proportionality”. A blackout is a form of collective punishment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, without even a pretext of a precipitating offense, experts added.
The statement ‘concerned’ about the Government’s policies in Kashmir. The report said, “The Government has also imposed a curfew across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing in massive numbers of troops to enforce restrictions on the freedom of movement and of peaceful assembly, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.
“We remind the Indian authorities that the restrictions imposed by the Indian Government are intrinsically disproportionate because they preclude considerations of the specific circumstances of each proposed assembly,” said the experts.
“We are gravely concerned about allegations that the whereabouts of some of those detained are not known as well as the general heightened risk of enforced disappearances, which may proliferate against the backdrop of mass arrests and restricted access to the internet and other communications networks,” added the experts.
They also expressed serious concern about the use of excessive force against protesters, including the use of live ammunition, which could amount to violations of the right to life. “India has the responsibility to use the minimum force necessary when policing protests,” the experts said. ”This means that the use of deadly force is a measure permissible only as last resort and to protect life.”