THE Amnesty International has slammed India for lack of accountability for human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir.

The report notes July 5, 2015 marked the completion of 25 years since the enactment of AFSPA 1990 (the Armed Forces Special Powers Act) and calls for the immediate removal of the oppressive law. The report also puts a special focus on Section 7 of AFSPA, which grants immunity to armed forces personnel from prosecution.

The Kashmiris have been struggling for their inalienable right to self-determination and India has used brute force to suppress their struggle for the last 68 years.

Indian authorities have been enforcing inhuman laws like Public Safety Act (PSA) and AFSPA to suppress the indigenous Kashmir freedom movement. The Amnesty International latest report has exposed the real face of India.

It is time New Delhi realised the ground realities in Kashmir. The United Nations should take steps to stop Indian atrocities and make efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute in the light of the UN resolutions.

Afia Ambreen

Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2015

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