MP Debbie Abrahams raises concerns about grave HR violations, revocation of special status and illegal detentions in IIOJ and K.

LONDON -- MP Debbie Abrahams Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Kashmir Group (APPKG) raises concerns about the grave human rights violations, revocation of special status and illegal detentions in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ and K) in an official letter to UK PM Boris Johnson.

MP Debbie Abrahams in her letter said that APPKG consists of Parliamentarians from all faiths and Kashmiri, Indian and Pakistani heritage. Our focus has been on promoting human rights across all parts of Kashmir.

After the cancellation of PM Boris Johnson's Visit to India due to COVID-19 B117, and Indian inclusion in G-7 Summit, she said that, While I fully support your endeavours to strengthen international relations which support jobs and investment across the UK, I need to make you aware of the strongly held views Parliamentarians of all political parties have regarding the primacy of human rights and that these cannot be compromised in any trade deal. The APPKG is particularly concerned about escalating violence across Indian-administered Kashmir (particularly Jammu and Kashmir) and most recently at the Line of Control.

Explaining the revocation of Special Status of IIOJ and K MP Debbie Abrahams said that You (PM UK) will be aware that the Indian Government revoked Article 370 and in particular Article 35A which had given special status and semi-autonomy to the people of the state of Jammu and Kashmir since partition. The Indian Government annulled Kashmir's constitution split the area into two federal territories - Ladakh, and Jammu and Kashmir - and has imposed direct rule by the Indian Government from Delhi. Also, there has been a further erosion of inherited protections on land and jobs. A dozen petitions challenging the constitutionality of the move remain pending with India's Supreme Court.

Many prominent Kashmiri politicians and public figures in the region have been detained with no recourse or under threat. Even children have been detained without charge. Activists say hundreds of people, including separatists, political moderates, civil society advocates and journalists remain in jail; it is unclear where some are being held. Accusations of torture by security forces have been widespread. Cell phone and internet access were blocked in the region and this remains patchy 17 months on, she added.

She further explained that Thousands, including civilians and those described as militants, have been killed in the violence. It has been...