Pakistan calls in Indian High Commissioner, expresses concern over Kashmir killings

“Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry on Monday called in the Indian High Commissioner today and conveyed Pakistan’s serious concerns over the recent killings of Kashmiri leader Burhan Wani and many other civilians in Indian occupied Kashmir by the Indian military and paramilitary forces,” a foreign office statement said.

Aizaz Chaudhry said that the use of excessive force against innocent civilians protesting peacefully over extrajudicial killings, is deplorable and a blatant violation of the right to life, right to freedom of expression and opinion, right to peaceful protest, right to peaceful assembly and other fundamental rights.

The foreign secretary deplored the firing by Indian security forces on peaceful protesters, resulting in killings of more than 30 innocent people and injuries of more than 300, around 50 critically. He highlighted that such brutal use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances.

He called for fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings.

“It was emphasized that oppressive measures cannot deter the valiant people of the Jammu and Kashmir from their demand of exercising their right to self determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions,” said the FO statement.

The foreign secretary reiterated Pakistan’s call on the Indian government to fulfill its human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.