India asked to probe killing of three civilians in IIOJ&K

ISLAMABAD: The International Kashmir Lobby Group, Youth Forum for Kashmir (YFK), has asked the Indian government to conduct a transparent probe into the Indian paramilitary action in Sopore of Baramula district in Indian

Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) on Saturday, which resulted in martyrdom of three innocent Kashmiris while other reports suggest the number could be higher.

The group has reminded that it’s India’s responsibility to ensure life and property protection of the people in IIOJ&K. It said the area is under occupation force, according to UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, Geneva Conventions, and International Humanitarian Law. The group has issued a statement suggesting that the Indian police and paramilitary forces resorted to an attack on civilians in Sopore.

According to the Kashmiri media, the incident resulted in the death of at least three Kashmiris. Other reports suggest the number could be higher. At least, two Kashmiris are reportedly injured.

The attack occurred at noon on Saturday when a group of Indian police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel opened fire on Kashmiri civilians during a so-called cordon-and-search operation. According to the Indian officials, Indian security personnel came under attack by a group they called as 'terrorists'. However, none of these claims have been independently verified and India’s previous record in similar incidents does not inspire confidence in the Indian official version.

India’s occupation forces in the disputed region frequently use cordon-and-search operations in the name of counterterrorism to harass and intimidate the civilian population.

The YFK has called on New Delhi to cease the use of force in Kashmir, restore the State’s self-rule, reduce Indian military footprint, and immediately start talks with Pakistan and Kashmiris to find a permanent peaceful solution to the Kashmir conflict in light of the UN Security Council resolutions.