Deeply concerned at the prevailing situation in Kashmir: UNHRC Chief

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Deeply concerned at the prevailing situation in Kashmir: UNHRC Chief

Michelle Bachelet also mentioned National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam

Monday September 9, 2019 11:27 PM, ummid.com News Network

Geneva: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC) Michelle Bachelet Monday voiced deep concern at 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".

Michelle Bachelet also mentioned National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, in her opening statement at the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council here on Monday.

"In relation to Kashmir, my Office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control. 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.

"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 added.

"It is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future", she said.

Michelle Bachelet also said that the NRC "verification process in the Northeast Indian state of Assam has caused great uncertainty and anxiety, with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list published on 31 August.

"I appeal to the Government to ensure due process during the appeals process, prevent deportation or detention, and ensure people are protected from statelessness," she writes.

In July too, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report, its second on Kashmir in 13 months which was also released under Bachelet's oversight, had highlighted "serious human rights violations and patterns of impunity in Jammu and Kashmir".

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