Islamabad: The Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Altaf Hussain Wani, has criticized India’s stance on Kashmir, labeling it as contrary to international laws and norms.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, Wani expressed concerns over the situation in the territory, stating that India has abolished fundamental rights and freedoms in the region. He further accused the Indian government of attempting to suppress dissent through forceful measures.

Wani highlighted issues such as unjustified arrests, enforced disappearances, and the confiscation of properties as prevalent problems. He also noted the dismissal of Kashmiri government employees as a common occurrence.

The KIIR Chairman asserted that India is unwilling to acknowledge the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He accused the Indian government of efforts to alter the demographic makeup of the area.

Wani challenged India’s claims of political, social, and economic progress in the region following the abrogation of Article 370, calling these assertions baseless and misleading. He alleged that such claims were intended to obscure the situation on the ground, including alleged killings and the neglect of basic needs in Jammu and Kashmir.

He also criticized India’s tendency to blame Pakistan, suggesting it was a tactic to divert attention from India’s challenges in Kashmir. Wani urged the international community to recognize the denial of the Kashmiris’ right to self-determination and the ongoing atrocities faced by them.

Amidst these accusations, the Indian ambassador at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva refuted claims of human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as baseless and malicious.