DFP Urges International Action on Prolonged Detention of Kashmiri Leaders in Indian Jails
November 11, 2024The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) has expressed grave concerns over the prolonged detention of its leader, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, and other prominent Hurriyat leaders, urging global intervention for the release of Kashmiri prisoners held in Indian jails.
According to a statement issued by DFP spokesperson Advocate Arshad Iqbal in Srinagar, the organization highlighted the dire conditions facing hundreds of Kashmiri detainees held far from their homes, often in facilities with severe climates and inadequate amenities. Iqbal stressed that detainees are denied basic needs, such as clean drinking water, hygienic food, and necessary medical care, leaving them vulnerable to serious health issues. Many prisoners reportedly suffer from conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress due to the lack of sunlight, insufficient nutrition, and inadequate medical facilities.
The DFP called upon international human rights organizations to investigate these conditions, particularly those at Delhi’s Tihar Jail, where many Kashmiri prisoners are held hundreds of miles away from their families. Iqbal urged human rights bodies to take action, advocating for on-site inspections to document the harsh treatment faced by detainees.
This statement comes amidst growing calls from Kashmir for a peaceful solution to the region’s ongoing conflict. The DFP emphasized that the unresolved Kashmir dispute is the root cause of widespread human rights abuses and the suffering of Kashmiris. It reiterated that addressing this core issue would pave the way for justice and peace in the region.
The plight of Kashmiri detainees has increasingly drawn attention from rights groups who argue that India’s approach to Kashmiri prisoners contravenes international human rights norms. The DFP’s appeal to the global community highlights the urgency of addressing the situation, as many prisoners have reportedly been detained for extended periods without trial or legal recourse.
In calling for international scrutiny and intervention, the DFP underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of Kashmiris, stressing that addressing these humanitarian issues is essential to achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.