The World Muslim Congress has called for the establishment of an international commission of inquiry into crimes against humanity in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, the call was made by Altaf Hussain Wani while speaking during the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) under Item 4 general debate in Geneva. Wani told the Council that for decades, United Nations resolutions recognising Jammu and Kashmir as a disputed territory had not been implemented, and the region’s final status remained unresolved.

He termed the situation a matter of international concern under relevant UN frameworks and international laws.Highlighting the human rights situation, he said that enforced disappearances had left thousands of families in distress, while the discovery of unmarked graves pointed to serious violations. He also referred to the use of pellet guns, claiming that many civilians, including youth, had suffered severe injuries. 

The speaker further stated that natural resources of the territory were being exploited, linking it to economic deprivation of the local population. He described the situation as reflective of a broader pattern of control and marginalisation. Rejecting the notion that the issue was an internal matter, Wani maintained that Jammu and Kashmir remained an internationally recognised dispute under the UN Charter and other international conventions.

He urged the global community to take practical steps to address the situation. He also called upon influential countries to play their role in ensuring accountability, warning that continued inaction could have serious implications for human rights protections globally. Paying tribute to the resilience of the Kashmiri people, Wani said they had continued to uphold their identity despite prolonged challenges.

He urged the international community to move beyond statements and take concrete measures, including the creation of an independent inquiry mechanism. The World Muslim Congress reiterated its demand for international attention and accountability regarding the situation in the territory.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)