Member states responsible to protect civilians, UN Chief over Kashmir killings

NEW YORK - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced serious concern over the fresh spree of violence in Indian occupied Kashmir, that left over one and a half dozen Kashmiris dead, calling for an investigation.

Answering queries by newsmen during the regular briefing in New York, secretary-general's spokesman, Stephane Dujarric said the UN chief was concerned about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Chief reminded that member states were responsible under the international humanitarian law to protect the civilians.

He asserted that it was basic principle to investigate escalating violence and protect civilians wherever they were, whether in Gaza, Jammu and Kashmir, or Yemen.

The Secretary-General reiterated his call on member states to find ways to address disputes in a peaceful manner.

Kashmir Violence

At least 20 people lost their lives and 200 injured in Indian-administered Kashmir after fierce clashes between rebels and government forces on Sunday.

Moreover, at least 25 civilians suffered pellet wounds, while six others were being treated for bullet injuries, according to police. Locals, however, said that the number of those hurt was much higher.

Armed police and paramilitary soldiers in riot gear fanned out across the region Monday and are patrolling streets in anticipation of anti-India protests and clashes.

Condemnation From Pakistan

The state violence unleashed over the weekend prompted a strong reaction from civil-military officials in Pakistan.

Priem Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi urged India that a fact-finding mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights should be formed.

Moreover, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir can never suppress a just indigenous political struggle for self-determination.

In a statement on Monday, the COAS said that brutalities by Indian Security Forces against innocent Kashmiris in Indian Occupied Kashmir and ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC)/Working Boundary (WB) targeting civilians are highly condemnable.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif condemning the act of barbarism said that 20 Kashmiris have been martyred, over 300 injured and more than five house have been destroyed in the occupied valley. He termed the incident as “worst day of state terrorism in Kashmir valley”.

He said the cabinet has decided that 6th of April (Friday) will be observed as Kashmir Solidary Day. The prime minister will address AJK Legislative Assembly to raise the enormity of the situation, he added.