Wani seeks independent probe into mass rape incidents in occupied Kashmir

ISLAMABAD: Prominent Hurriyat leader and Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF) Vice Chairman Altaf Wani has demanded an independent and international probe into mass-rape incidents committed by the Indian occupation forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

In a statement issued on Monday, Wani said that the occupation forces deployed in the restive region have been involved in heinous crimes.

Use and abuse of power, harassment and humiliation and sexual abuse, he said, were among the dirtiest war tactics the Indian army has been using to suppress Kashmiris’ legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination, the official news agency reported.

He said that being a vulnerable segment of the society, the Kashmiri women have been the worst victims of Indian belligerence.

Referring to the dreadful incident of Kunan and Poshpora mass rape, the Hurriyat leader said that the horrific incident was a big blot on the face of Indian democracy and the state that has been using rape as a weapon of war against Kashmiris.

Highlighting the pain and agony of the rape victims, he said that it was disgusting to see that the Indian rulers and their henchmen in the territory have shamelessly tried to cover up and conceal the facts to save the bloody culprits who were directly involved in this beastly act.

“The brutality Kashmiri women were subjected to on the dreadful night of 23 February 1991 finds no place in human history,” he said, adding that despite the passage of 33 years, justice continues to elude the victims.

Urging world human rights organisations to play their role, Wani said it was high time that culprits involved in this gruesome act should be held accountable.