Amnesty International urges India to ensure safety of Kashmiris after Pulwama attack

Amnesty expressed grievance that Kashmiri university students and traders were beaten and threatened

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Amnesty International (AI) has strongly condemned the assault on Kashmiri people after the suicide attack on Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy which killed 40 security personnel in Pulwama area of Indian-Occupied Kashmir (IOK).

The AI has also urged the Indian government to ensure safety and security of Kashmiri people living outside valley, who have been targeted by rightwing groups.

“The Government of India (GoI) and Kashmir government must ensure that ordinary Kashmiri women and men do not face targeted attacks, harassment and arbitrary arrests following the killing of 40 security personnel in Kashmir by a suicide car bomber,” the AI stated.

While quoting certain media reports, Amnesty said Kashmiri university students and traders in northern states, primarily Uttarakhand, Haryana and Bihar, have been beaten, threatened, and intimidated by some Hindu groups.

Many students have been reported to have fled their universities in fear.

Moreover, two colleges in Dehradun and one in Moradabad reported to have stated that they would not admit new Kashmiri students.

Thereby, the Amnesty has asked the Indian government to ask state governments to ensure safety and security of all Kashmiris.

“Authorities must make sure that this situation does not deteriorate further,” AI representatives stated, adding “Ordinary Kashmiris across India who are only seeking to improve their lives should not be singled out for violence simply because of where they come from.”

“The mobs,who use patriotism as an excuse to hound Kashmiris out of their homes, hostels and shops are corroding the basic values of the constitution of India. Authorities must investigate all allegations of threats and violence, and bring those responsible to justice.”