Deep concern expressed over mass arrests, collective punishments, house demolitions in IIOJK
Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference General Secretary Maulvi Bashir Irfani has expressed grave concern and strong condemnation over the ongoing state repression, collective punishments, mass arrests of thousands of innocent civilians, demolition of homes, restrictions on religious freedoms and continuous violations of basic human rights in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, in a statement issued in Srinagar, Bashir Irfani who is also chairman of the Tehreek Shabab-e-Muslimeen Jammu and Kashmir, said that in the past few days nearly 3,500 innocent Kashmiri youth and civilians have been arrested under various black and draconian laws. He added that raids on homes, search operations, intimidation, threats and collective punishment measures have witnessed an unprecedented surge across the Valley.
Maulvi Bashir Irfani said hundreds of residential houses have been demolished in IIOJK in recent years. “Not just the bricks and walls were brought down, but the dreams, hopes and life savings of the families associated with those houses were also turned into rubble,” he said. Many families are now forced to live under the open sky, while others are displaced to relatives’ homes, temporary shelters or unknown locations. Women, children, the elderly and the sick are the worst affected, facing severe mental stress, insecurity and economic hardship. He said it is alarming that even relatives, neighbors or philanthropists who try to help affected families financially, legally or on humanitarian grounds are subjected to harassment, questioning, threats and arrests.
“This conduct has created an atmosphere of fear where people are scared to help victims even on humanitarian grounds,” he noted. The APHC leader said banning people from going to mosques, imposing restrictions on religious gatherings, arbitrary detention of youth, house demolitions and collective punishment of entire populations raise serious questions about fundamental human rights and religious freedom.
“Peace, justice and stability in any society cannot be established through force and fear, but through human dignity, rule of law and respect for basic freedoms,” he said. Maulvi Bashir Irfani urged the United Nations, OIC, global human rights organizations, International Red Cross, European Union, international media and all defenders of justice to take immediate notice of the human rights situation in IIOJK, ensure protection of civilians, and discourage policies that further deepen public suffering. He stressed that the Kashmir dispute remains the root cause of tension in South Asia and can only be resolved through a political process in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The Tehreek demanded immediate release of detainees, an end to house demolitions and collective punishments, rehabilitation of affected families, and serious international diplomatic efforts for a just and peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
