Victimization of Kashmiris by India is a matter of grave concern: Qureshi

(Karachi) Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has said that the way Kashmiri people are being victimized in Occupied valley is a matter of grave concern. He added the ceasefire violations by Indian troops could disrupt peace and stability in the region.

Addressing a media briefing after attending the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) through video link on Monday, he said that India has been committing human rights violations in Jammu Kashmir in which several innocent Kashmiris have been killed.

He said that the situation in Indian occupied Kashmir is deteriorating at an alarming level. He stated that India is bent upon promoting the policy of Hindutva and crush the movement of the people of Kashmir.

Qureshi elaborated that Indian forces have sent several Hurriyet leaders to jail and many are missing for raising voice against Indian brutality.

The FM maintained that there has been a considerable increase in violations along the Line of Control by Indian side which is a matter of grave concern.

He maintained that Pakistan wants peace and stability in the region, while India is committing ceasefire violations on the Line of Control. He said, "India is continuously targeting civilian population in violation of international laws and fundamental human rights."

He said Pakistan has already conveyed the UN Secretary General, President of UN Security Council and Secretary General of Organization of Islamic Cooperation about Indian designs.

Qureshi asks India to stop human rights violations in IoK, review its behaviour

He urged the OIC and United Nations to intervene and ask India to respect the rights of Kashmiri people and stop torture and killing of innocent people in the region. He also asked India to permit an OIC delegation to visit Occupied Kashmir so they could analyze the ground situation in the valley.

Situation in Occupied Kashmir took an ugly turn when India withdrew constitutional provisions on August 5 that gave Jammu and Kashmir more autonomy than any other Indian state.

In retaliation to Modi's government’s move, India flooded the region with additional troops, and imposed curfew-like restrictions to keep a lid on protests.

Although many curbs, including those on movement have been eased, mobile telephone and internet connections in the Kashmir valley, home to around seven million people, remain cut off.

New Delhi insists that its move in August was essential to integrate Kashmir fully into India and bring development to the Himalayan region, but there is anger and discontent among many locals over the decision.

Despite the curbs, Kashmiris have come out on to the streets, and many shops and other commercial establishments in the held valley have remained mostly shuttered in protests against the withdrawal of the special status.