Over 500 Indian academics and scientists raise voice against PM Modi over Occupied Kashmir lockdown
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ISLAMABAD: Over 500 Indian academics and scientists raise voice against PM Narendra Modi over Occupied Kashmir lockdown.
A group of around 500 academics and scientists in India gave gave a strong statement against BJP government action in Occupied Kashmir.
They have expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Indian Occupied Kashmir [IOK] precipitated by New Delhi’s illegal and unilateral action to revoke Article 370 of the Indian constitution, thereby ending the occupied state’s autonomous status, Pakistan today has reported.
The Indian government has since imposed a curfew, detained and arrested opposition leaders in IOK in addition to flooding the state with security personnel.
“We are appalled by the government’s decision to restrict telecommunications and the internet in Kashmir for over a month. We understand that landlines have been restored in some parts of Kashmir, but since landline teledensity in the state is below 1%, this measure has failed to provide substantive relief to the people there,” the statement issued by the group said.
“In our own institutions, we have witnessed students suffering because they are unable to maintain contact with their families. Moreover, credible reports suggest that these restrictions have made it difficult for ordinary people in Kashmir to procure medical and essential supplies or even for children to attend school,” the statement read.
“We believe the [Indian] government’s actions in detaining and restricting the communications of opposition leaders and dissidents in Kashmir is uncharacteristic of our democratic values. The arrest and disappearances of opposition leaders and dissidents is highly undemocratic,” the statement continued.
