About 16 European parliamentarians today wrote a letter to the European Commission (EC) seeking action against India over the “humanitarian situation” in Indian-occupied Kashmir.
Addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Vice President Josep Borrell, the letter said: “As a champion of universal human rights, fundamental freedoms and the rule-based international order, the EU must raise its voice against the violations of human rights affecting the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We believe that the EU should use all its leverage and tools to cooperate with our Indian and Pakistani partners to honour the pledge made to the Kashmiris by the international community and create an environment conducive to the implementation of the United Nations resolutions.”
The lawmakers expressed the resolve to continue their engagements with Pakistani and Indian lawmakers as well as Kashmiri leaders “to impress upon them the urgent need to foster a climate of peace and dialogue in the region”.
The letter noted that it was “extremely important” for Kashmiris to be heard and granted the opportunity to decide their own future.
The lawmakers called on von der Leyen and Borrell to carry out the following actions on the EU’s behalf:
- Convey the “grave concern” over the violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms in IoK to the Indian government
- Take urgent action to address the “alarming” human rights situation in the region
- Contribute to peace and stability in the region by enhancing dialogue between India, Pakistan and Kashmiri representatives through making use of “our special relationships with both India and Pakistan”.
“We hope in your strong support for this cause,” the letter read.
