The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has urged the United Nations to hold India accountable for its crimes in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and to facilitate a just settlement of the long-standing dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.  In a letter addressed to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the Acting President of DFP, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, expressed deep concern over the persistent denial of basic rights to the Kashmiri people under Indian military occupation.

He thanked the Secretary General for his principled support for the peaceful resolution of disputes and for giving voice to marginalized communities across the globe.  Saghar underscored that Jammu and Kashmir remains one of the oldest unresolved disputes on the UN agenda and continues to endanger peace and security in South Asia. He said the recent confrontation between India and Pakistan once again highlights the volatility of the situation, while the people of Kashmir continue to suffer under a repressive regime. 

The DFP leader pointed out that arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, extrajudicial killings, and excessive use of force against peaceful protesters have become routine in the occupied territory. He lamented India’s continued abuse of draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act and the UAPA to silence dissent, noting that thousands of Kashmiris, including prominent leaders, are languishing in jails under harsh conditions. He regretted that India has consistently denied access to international fact-finding missions and has ignored the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ offer of good offices. 

Citing UN resolutions, Saghar reminded that the final disposition of Jammu and Kashmir must be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite conducted under UN auspices. India’s refusal to honour these commitments, he said, has resulted in over 100,000 killings, 10,000 enforced disappearances, and the creation of thousands of widows and orphans. He also condemned the systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and the destruction of Kashmiri culture under Indian occupation. 

“The UN and its member states must play their due role in ensuring accountability for these grave crimes and in helping secure a just settlement of the dispute,” the DFP leader stressed.  He expressed hope that Secretary General Antonio Guterres would continue to raise the Kashmir issue at all forums and press India to fulfil its international obligations.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)