Geneva: UN Human Rights chief Michelle Bachelet has asked both India and Pakistan to ensure that the human rights of the Kashmiri people are respected and protected, amid tensions between the two neighbours after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has also asked India to ensure that the National Register of Citizens (NRC) verification in Assam does not leave the people stateless. On Kashmir, she said her office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC).
“I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the Government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists,” Michelle Bachelet he said in her opening statement at the 42st session of the Human Rights Council here, Monday.
“While I continue to urge the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected, I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews; to ensure people’s access to basic services; and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained,” added the UN official.
Bachelet said it was important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.
Bachelet also said the recent NRC verification process in Assam has caused great uncertainty and anxiety, with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published, August 31. She appealed to the Indian government to ensure due process during the appeals process, prevent deportation or detention, and ensure people are protected from statelessness.
PTI
