Deeply concerned about the impact of India’s action on Kashmir: UN Rights Chief

UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet on Monday asked India and Pakistan to ensure that the human rights of the Kashmiri people are respected and protected, amid tensions between the two nations after New Delhi revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

"I am deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by the Government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists," she said in her opening statement at the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council.

Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that her office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the Line of Control.

Tensions between India and Pakistan arose after India abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution to withdraw Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories, evoking strong reactions from Pakistan.

"While I continue to urge the Governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected, I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews; to ensure people's access to basic services; and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained," she said.

Bachelet said it was important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.

Talking about National Register of Citizens (NRC) Bachelet said that the recent verification process in Assam has caused great uncertainty and anxiety, with over 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published on August 31.

She appealed to the Indian government to ensure due process during the appeals, prevent deportation or detention and ensure people are protected from statelessness.