India has raised doubts about the timelines for release of the report by the United Nations human rights office on Pakistan’s actions regarding human rights in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in which it has raised allegations of killings, web connectivity restrictions and abductions of local leaders.
The topic was brought up by India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, First Secretary Anuj Swarup, in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Third Committee, held on Wednesday. He was holding an interactive dialogue with the UNHCHR.
Swarup quoted the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in a previous statement urging prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into the killings, allegedly by armed and security forces in the area during the unrest.
The political leaders’ statements also demanded for the authorities to permit their detained leaders of the Joint Awami Action Committee to secure lawyers and visit their families. They emphasized the need for the rule of law and impartial trials.
The UN human rights office had also urged the lifting of the internet restriction in LOC occupied Jammu and Kashmir. It also called for in-depth political discourse to resolve people’s complaints.
When will OHCHR come up with a report on what the Government of Pakistan has done on this? Swarup asked. He also cautioned against the United Nations office’s “extreme selectivity” in tackling human rights issues.
The Indian side had said Pakistan should look at its own human rights record, specifically in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rawalakot.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for calm in July, ahead of the July 27 elections in the region. He reported that since June, there had been reports of dozens of deaths, including several among protesters and police.
Türk asked for inquiries into all the deaths related to the unrests and worries about the internet shutdown. He appealed for authorities to provide full internet service all over the territory.
The UN human rights office’s follow on its previous allegations and action taken by Pakistan authorities has drawn fresh attention to the latest move by India.