UN experts have expressed serious concern over ongoing counter-terrorism operations in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region, saying they violate international human rights standards. They claim that many citizens are being detained arbitrarily, and proper legal procedures are not being followed for those in custody.
Experts also raised concerns about recent cases where people were returned to Bangladesh and Myanmar, which goes against the internationally recognized principle of non-refoulement. This principle forbids sending anyone back to a country where their life, liberty, or safety may be at risk.
The experts noted that human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, which have persisted for years, appear to have intensified recently. They highlighted that well-known activists such as Irfan Mehraj and Khurram Parvez have been detained under security laws for extended periods.
They called for the immediate and unconditional release of all individuals held without charges or adequate legal protections. Additionally, they urged India to reform its counter-terrorism laws and practices to align with international human rights standards.
According to UN experts, excessive use of force under the pretext of counter-terrorism not only undermines fundamental human values but also deepens societal divisions and may create new opportunities for violence in the future.
They emphasized that all complaints should be independently investigated, and if evidence of wrongdoing is found, perpetrators must be held accountable through proper judicial processes.
UN experts also stressed that resuming political dialogue between India and Pakistan is the only path toward a long-term resolution of the Kashmir crisis.
Sources: UN, Anadolu Agency, TRT World.