WKAF condemns unlawful detention of Kashmiri women leaders
Washington, DC: The World Kashmir Awareness Forum (WKAF) has strongly condemned the life imprisonment verdict issued by India’s National Intelligence Agency (NIA) against prominent Kashmiri leader Aasiya Andrabi and two other female activists, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Aasiya Andrabi, 64, founder of Dukhtaran-e-Millat, has spent over 15 years in Indian jails on trumped-up charges of “waging war against India” and “conspiracy to commit terrorist acts” under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The law has been criticized by international human rights bodies for its vague definitions and restrictive bail conditions.
WKAF argues that the charges are frivolous and fabricated, and that the women were advocating for the UN-guaranteed right to self-determination for Kashmiris. Aasiya’s husband, Dr. Qasim Faktoo, has already spent 30 years in jail on similar charges, and the couple has been separated for over 30 years.
The organization appeals to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights and other international bodies to intervene and persuade India to release the trio immediately and unconditionally. WKAF also calls for transparency and accountability in the judicial process, protection of fundamental rights, and a review of laws like UAPA to ensure they conform to international human rights standards.
