APHC Demands UN Intervention for Release of Kashmiri Detainees

Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has urgently appealed to the United Nations and international human rights organizations to put pressure on India for the release of all Kashmiri political detainees. Prominent Hurriyat leaders and activists continue to face inhumane conditions in jails across India and the occupied territory, reflecting a systematic effort to suppress political dissent in Jammu and Kashmir. The appeal highlights the ongoing human rights violations and the failure of Indian authorities to respect international law.

Illegal Detentions Targeting Political Leaders

According to Kashmir Media Service, APHC spokesperson Abdul Rashid Minhas said India cannot suppress the Kashmiri people’s demand for freedom through illegal arrests and prolonged detention. The statement emphasizes that despite decades of harassment, the resolve of the people remains unbroken, and unlawful detentions are an attempt to silence legitimate political activism.

Prominent Hurriyat Leaders Detained

The APHC statement listed detained leaders including Masarrat Aalam Butt, Shabbir Ahmad Shah, Muhammad Yasin Malik, Nayeem Ahmad Khan, Aasiya Andrabi, Ayaz Akbar, Shahid-ul-Islam, Merajuddin Kalwal, Peer Saifullah, Farooq Ahmad Dar, Fehmeeda Sofi, Naheeda Nasreen, Dr Hameed Fayaz, Advocate Mian Abdul Qayoom, Mushtaq-ul-Islam, Molvi Bashir Ahmad Irfani, Bilal Siddiqi, Ameer Hamza, Mohammad Rafiq Ganai, Zafar Akbar Butt, Mohammad Hayat Bhat, Mehrjudin Nanda, Abdul Ahmad Parra, Noor Muhammad Fayaz, Hayat Ahmed Butt, Showket Hakeem, Zahoor Ahmed Butt, Shakeel Ahmad Yatoo, Umar Adil Dar, Saleem Nanaji, Muhammad Yasin Butt, Fayaz Hussain Jaferi, Firdous Ahmed Shah, Adil Siraj Zargar, Dawood Zargar, Assadullah Parray, human rights defender Khurram Parvaiz, and journalist Irfan Majeed. These detentions underline the systematic targeting of political activists to weaken organized opposition.

Harsh Treatment in Custody

The APHC highlighted the brutal conditions faced by detainees. Leaders and activists endure severe physical and mental torture, biased treatment, and poor access to medical care. They are subjected to isolation, harassment, and limited legal assistance, reflecting the deliberate use of coercion to suppress political voices. Human rights defenders and journalists also face similar abuses, showing that the repression extends beyond political leaders to the wider civil society.

Prolonged Imprisonment Without Justice

Many detainees have spent decades in jail without fair trials. Minhas pointed to cases including Dr Muhammad Shafi Shariati, Dr Mohammad Qasim Fakhtoo, Ghulam Qadir Butt, and Mohammad Ayub Mir, who have endured over twenty years of imprisonment. This long-term detention without accountability highlights India’s systematic use of incarceration to undermine political activism.

Moral Resilience of Detainees

Despite harsh conditions, the morale of Hurriyat leaders and activists remains high. They continue to show commitment to the Kashmiri cause, demonstrating resilience and courage in the face of persistent physical and mental abuse. Their determination exposes the failure of India’s efforts to suppress political leadership in the region.

Sacrifice for Kashmir’s Cause

The APHC emphasized that the sacrifices of jailed leaders inspire the people of Kashmir. Hurriyat members, whether in custody or active in the field, continue to work for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with UN resolutions. Their sacrifices serve as a symbol of commitment and endurance, reinforcing the legitimacy of the political struggle.

Public Support for Hurriyat Leadership

The people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remain supportive of Hurriyat leaders and activists. Citizens continue to recognize their risks and uphold their leadership despite ongoing threats and harassment from occupying authorities. This public backing underscores the legitimacy and enduring strength of the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination.

Systematic Human Rights Violations

The APHC statement drew attention to widespread human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Arbitrary arrests, detention without trial, torture, and harassment of political activists contravene international human rights standards. India’s actions have been consistently condemned, yet little effective pressure has been applied to ensure accountability or respect for human rights.

Role of International Organizations

The APHC urged the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other human rights organizations to intervene immediately. Agencies including Amnesty International and Asia Watch were specifically called upon to advocate for the release of political prisoners and ensure humane treatment in line with international norms.

UN Resolutions and the Kashmir Dispute

The appeal stressed that the Kashmir conflict must be resolved under UN resolutions. Detention of political leaders obstructs dialogue, undermines peace efforts, and prolongs conflict. The APHC highlighted that international monitoring and action are crucial to uphold justice and facilitate a political solution acceptable to all parties.

Need for Global Attention

The APHC warned that international silence could embolden India to intensify repression. Global attention is critical to prevent further violations and ensure the protection of political detainees. Coordinated pressure from nations, international organizations, and human rights bodies is necessary to hold India accountable for repeated breaches of law and human rights.

Persistence of Political Leadership

Hurriyat leaders continue to maintain unity, focus, and clarity despite years of harassment. Their consistent activism, under severe pressure, demonstrates resilience and exposes the failure of Indian authorities to weaken Kashmir’s political leadership. The endurance of these leaders is a testament to the strength and determination of the Kashmiri freedom movement.

Call for Immediate Action

The APHC has called on all relevant international bodies to use their influence to ensure the release of detainees and promote a political environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation. The release of political leaders and activists is essential for restoring faith in justice and allowing a fair and peaceful process for resolving the Kashmir issue.

Conclusion

The APHC’s urgent appeal to the United Nations and human rights organizations underscores the ongoing repression in Kashmir. Political detainees endure long-term imprisonment, physical abuse, and mental torture, yet remain resolute in their commitment to the Kashmiri cause. International action is critical to secure their release, uphold human rights, and facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute according to UN resolutions. Sustained global pressure is essential to restore justice, dignity, and hope for the people of Kashmir.