New York: The United Nations Human Rights Committee has issued a critical report detailing extensive human rights abuses in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and other regions in India, attributing these violations to the excessive use of force by authorities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report criticized specific provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and various anti-terrorism laws, stating they contradict the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and have led to extrajudicial killings, detentions, and sexual violence. The UN Committee is particularly concerned about the long-standing application of these laws in contentious areas like IIOJK, Manipur, and Assam, which has resulted in significant violations of civil and political rights.
The Committee urged the Indian government to take substantial steps to curtail violence against minority groups and address the systemic abuse in occupied territories. It called for the enactment of comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation and enhanced public awareness campaigns to inform about human rights.
The report also shed light on the plight of various vulnerable groups in India, including Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and members of the LGBTI community, urging immediate actions to safeguard their rights. The UN recommended that India provide specialized training to its civil servants, law enforcement, judiciary, and community leaders to foster respect for civil liberties.
Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Committee recommended that India ensure its counter-terrorism and security measures are temporary, proportional, and subject to judicial oversight. It also emphasized the need for India to establish mechanisms to investigate and acknowledge responsibility for human rights abuses in affected regions.