Euro-MP Calls On Indian Government To Investigate Disappearances In Kashmir

5.38.50pm GMT Fri 18th Mar 2005

Reports of continuing cases of torture in police and security forces custody, "disappearance" of victims from such custody, and extra judicial executions in Kashmir are a constant source of worry according to Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on South Asia in the European Parliament, Liz Lynne MEP.

Rights groups estimate around 5000 people have disappeared since 1990. Most people reported missing were last seen when police or security forces took them into custody. Victims' families have yet to get any concrete answer about their whereabouts of their relatives from the agencies.

Liz submitted an amendment to the European Parliament's Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004 calling on the Indian Government to act.

She said:

"Although there have been encouraging signs that India and Pakistan are willing to settle their dispute over Kashmir, it will be difficult to persuade the Kashmiri people of any peace process while these reports continue."

Text of the Amendment below:

"Calls on the Government of India to ensure that all reports of extra judicial executions, deaths in custody, torture and rape by security forces and unofficial paramilitary forces in Kashmir are investigated promptly by a judicial authority empowered to subpoena security officers and official registers and other documents, and calls on the three administrations of Kashmir to uphold the democratic rights of the people under their respective administrations;"

ENDS