Use of pellet guns violation of human rights: Korean professors

Korean professors declared the use of pellet guns by Indian forces in Indian occupied Kashmir as contrary to the International Humanitarian law.

The professors were attending a workshop on International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in the context of Kashmir issue, organized at the Korea Press Club by the Embassy of Pakistan, Seoul. 

Distinguished professors were the keynote speakers at the workshop including Dr. Asif Qureshi, Professor of International Law at Korea University, Dr. Eric Lee, Professor of International Law at Dongguk University and Dr. Lee Whiejin, Ex-Ambassador of Republic of Korea. 

 The event was well attended by Korean media representatives, members of Pakistan Business Association, prominent members of the Korean community, Pakistani students and workers.

 The event was also widely covered by the Korean media. The Ambassador of Pakistan, H.E. Rahim Hayat Qureshi, condemned the gross human rights violations being perpetrated by Indian occupation forces in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK). 

He called upon the international community to play its role for ameliorating the sufferings of innocent civilians, especially women and children, which continue to this day and to bring to an end to this longstanding international dispute, in accordance with the UNSC Resolutions. 

He said that peace in South Asia is impossible without resolution of the long outstanding Kashmir dispute, and that no solution is workable without recognition of this right of the people. 

The guest speakers shed light on the violations of International Humanitarian Law in the beautiful valley of Kashmir. 

Prof Dr. Eric Lee in his presentation said that Geneva Conventions prohibit the use of weapons that cause excessive injury or unnecessary suffering including the use of pellet guns. 

The guest speakers briefed the audience that IHL is concerned with the regulation of conduct of States and non-State actors in circumstances of armed conflict or hostilities which includes treatment of prisoners; treatment of civilians including civilians in occupied territory (extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, sexual abuse and political repression) treatment of the sick and wounded; and the method of warfare/conflict including human rights in times of conflict. 

Dr. Asif Qureshi, professor of International law, said that IHL is highly relevant to the circumstances of Kashmir and all parties must work towards its strengthened application. 

The distinguished speakers also spoke about the legality of the dispute in the light of International law and also discussed the way forward.