Amnesty International (India) has urged the Narendra Modi government to implement “effective policies” to ensure protection of human rights in Jammu and Kashmir.
It has also welcomed the pledge of the new Central government to ensure the security of all citizens in the state against the backdrop of defence minister Arun Jaitley’s recent visit to Srinagar.
“In particular, the organisation welcomes the recent overtures made to rehabilitate families of an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Kashmiri Pandits who were forced to leave the state between 1990 and 1994 due to threats and intimidation from armed groups,” am AI statement said.
It added, “AI (India) welcomes the positive steps taken by the NDA government, and urges it to take a comprehensive approach in implementing proposed policies, including consultations with all communities living in Jammu and Kashmir, and those looking to return there.”
It, however, adds that it is concerned that the proposed steps do not adequately address India’s obligations under international and domestic law to provide effective remedy and reparation to victims of human rights abuses, a necessary measure according community leaders to build confidence in the state and promote long-term stability.
“Amnesty International (India) recognises the government’s duty to protect its citizens in situations of conflict from threats to their lives and security,” the statement says.