Islamabad: In a communication with Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has drawn attention to the dire conditions faced by Kashmiri political prisoners held in various facilities inside and outside Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the letter, written by Acting Chairman of DFP Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, highlights the continuous mistreatment and abuse of these prisoners. The correspondence expresses concern over the torture, extended detention, and denial of fundamental rights experienced by those incarcerated for their political beliefs and human rights advocacy.
The document outlines the systematic repression against Kashmiri activists, mentioning numerous challenges such as raids, surveillance, digital repression, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances. Since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, many activists have been detained under harsh conditions, often far from their homes, in prisons like Tihar Jail. The letter notes the deteriorating health of several prominent activists, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, and others due to prolonged detention and adverse conditions. It describes the physical and psychological abuse, solitary confinement, lack of medical care, and poor living conditions these prisoners endure, resulting in significant mental health issues.
The communication also states that around 5,000 Kashmiris, including senior Hurriyat leaders, are detained under stringent laws, facing widespread abuse. It criticizes India for not adhering to its international commitments as a Geneva Convention signatory concerning the treatment of political prisoners.
The DFP has urged Pakistan’s government to leverage diplomatic channels to prompt an investigation into these abuses and ensure the safety of the detained activists. The letter concludes with a call for Pakistan to persist in advocating for the Kashmir cause globally, stressing that Pakistan’s stability is crucial for the success of the Kashmir freedom movement.