UNHCR Urges India To Ease Restrictions And Restore Communication Services In Kashmir

As the lockdown and mobile communications blockade in Kashmir Valley completed 36 days yesterday, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) urged India on Monday (9 September) to restore the basic communications services, reports The Hindu.

Addressing the 42nd session of the UNHRC, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet stressed, “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."

Bachelet appealed to India to ease the lockdown and curfews and to ensure that basic services and rights for the detained persons are respected. She said, "It is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future,” said Bachelet."

Bachelet also raised the issue of recently culminated National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam and exclusion of 19 lakh inhabitants from the state from the registry. She underscored that the Government of India must ensure due appeals process, prevent deportation or detention, and ensure people are protected from statelessness.