Respect and protect human rights in Kashmir: UN human rights chief

At the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said: "In relation to Kashmir, my Office continues to receive reports on the human rights situation on both sides of the line of control."

Bachelet said she is "deeply concerned" about the impact of recent actions by the Government of India on the human rights of Kashmiris, including "restrictions on internet communications and peaceful assembly, and the detention of local political leaders and activists."

She urged both governments of India and Pakistan to ensure that human rights are respected and protected.

"I have appealed particularly to India to ease the current lockdowns or curfews; to ensure people's access to basic services; and that all due process rights are respected for those who have been detained," said she.

Bachelet noted that it is important that the people of Kashmir are consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes that have an impact on their future.

This comes after the Indian government scrapped the Article 370 which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

The government bifurcated Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir with an assembly and Ladakh without an assembly.

Article 35A of the Indian Constitution allowed the Jammu and Kashmir state's legislature to define “permanent residents” of the state and also provided special rights and privileges to those permanent residents.

Article 370 allowed Jammu and Kashmir to have its own constitution, flag and right to handle its own laws except on matters that impact national security.

The decision had further escalated tension between India and Pakistan in recent times.