In Brussels, Sajjad Karim MEP, spokesperson on legal affairs and Member of the Subcommittee on Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament has expressed grave concern over the resurgence of tension and use of excessive force by Indian troops and police in occupied Kashmir.
Addressing the EU commissioner, Ferrero Waldner in the Parliament Sajjad Karim said, "I strongly condemn the use of heavy force to thwart peaceful protests and killing of innocent Kashmiris in exercise of their democratic right for peaceful congregation to express their sentiments toward the right of self-determination. I urge the Indian authorities to cease the paramilitary action by Indian forces against the people of Jammu and Kashmir and to ease curfew restrictions so that people are able to access basis essentials," KMS reported.
Sajjad Karim, who is a signatory to the European Parliament Resolution on the mass graves in occupied Kashmir, called for in-depth, impartial and independent investigations into all killings that have occurred and called on all international bodies, including the EU and the UN to remain engaged on this issue.
"The European Union is the standard bearer for human rights in the world and it is our responsibility, as Europeans, to ensure that human rights are respected all over the world.
I call on the UN to intervene immediately in order to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe and I ask the Commission to promote the will of the European Parliament and to provide financial and technical assistance to the Indian authorities in the context of the Stability Instrument for possible further measures of conflict resolution in Kashmir while ascertaining the will of the people of Kashmir," Sajjad Karim maintained.
Sajjad Karim added that India had reaffirmed its commitments to strengthen the dialogue and engagement on human rights, but the human rights violations in the occupied territory still continue adding that India must ensure zero tolerance to these rights abuses.