ISLAMABAD: United Nations human rights experts have expressed grave concernover widespread violations allegedly committed by Indian authorities inJammu and Kashmir following the April terrorist attack in Pahalgam thatclaimed 54 lives.
In a strongly worded statement, the independent experts condemned theattack but insisted that counter-terrorism measures must comply withinternational human rights obligations.
The experts highlighted the arrest of approximately 2,800 individuals,including journalists, activists and human rights defenders, in sweepingsecurity operations across the region.
Many detainees have reportedly been booked under the Jammu and KashmirPublic Safety Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, bothcriticised for permitting prolonged detention without charge or trial.
The UN mandate holders described provisions in these laws as vague andoverly broad, warning that they facilitate arbitrary deprivation of liberty.
Credible reports received by the experts allege that several detainees weresubjected to torture, held in incommunicado detention and denied access tolegal counsel and family members.
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The experts urged Indian authorities to immediately release those detainedsolely for exercising fundamental freedoms and to conduct prompt,independent investigations into all allegations of ill-treatment.
They further called on New Delhi to ensure that any response to terrorismfully respects the principles of necessity, proportionality andnon-discrimination enshrined in international law.
The statement emphasised that the fight against terrorism can never justifysystematic repression or the erosion of basic human rights protections.
Source: www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches”>https://www.ohchr.org/en/statements-and-speeches