PM welcomes world attention to Kashmir.

Byline: SHAFQAT ALI

ISLAMABAD -- Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday welcomed the growing world concern over situation in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and demands by the international community, global leaders, UN Secretary General and the UNHCHR for India to lift the 6-week long siege of the valley.

In series of tweets, he said the international community must not remain indifferent to the massive human rights abuses by the occupation forces under the cover of brutal siege of IOK.

The prime minister's reaction came hours after United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Monday expressed serious concerns over the prevailing human rights situation in Kashmir. The prime minister welcomed her statement and urged the UN Human Rights Council to immediately set up independent investigation commission to probe human rights violations in the occupied valley.

'I especially welcome the statement by the UNHCHR in Geneva today. I call upon the UN Human Rights Council to immediately set up the indep (independent) Investigation commission to probe human rights abuses in IOJ and K as recommended by the UNHCHR's two reports on Kashmir. The time to act is now,' he tweeted.

I have appealed India to ease lockdowns. Kashmiris must be consulted and engaged in decision-making that could impact their future

I especially welcome UNHCHR statement. I call upon UN HR Council to set up commission to probe HR abuses in IOK. The time to act is now.

Prime Minister Khan also tagged certain important points from the UNHCHR's statement in Geneva.

Addressing the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet said she was deeply concerned about the impact of recent actions by Indian government on the human rights of Kashmiris including restrictions on internet communications, peaceful assembly and the detention of local political leaders and activities.

'I have appealed India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews, ensure people's access to basic services and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained,' the High Commissioner said, as she stressed that it is important the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.

On the National Register of Citizens verification process in the Northeast Indian State of Assam, she said it has caused great uncertainty and anxiety with some 1.9 million people excluded from the final list...