By News Desk

ISLAMABAD—India’s police and paramilitary resorted today to an attack on civilians in Sopore, a town in Baramulla district of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, according to Kashmiri media. The incident has resulted in the death of at least three Kashmiris. Other reports suggest the number could be higher. At least two Kashmiris are reportedly injured.

The attack occurred at noon on Saturday, June 12, 2021, when a group of Indian police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel opened fire on Kashmiri civilians during a cordon-and-search operation. Indian officials claim Indian security personnel came under attack by a terrorist group. However, none of these claims have been independently verified and India’s previous record in similar incidents does not inspire confidence in the Indian official version.

India’s occupation forces in the disputed region frequently use cordon-and-search operations in the name of counterterrorism to harass and intimidate the civilian population. It is a method of mass-punishment and state-sponsored retaliation to Kashmiris’ rejection of Indian occupation and control, and denial of civil and political rights.

YFK-International Kashmir Lobby Group calls on the Government of India to conduct a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Indian paramilitary action in Sopore today, in accordance with India’s responsibilities as the occupation force in the State of Jammu and Kashmir under UN Security Council resolutions, Geneva Conventions, and International Humanitarian Law.

YFK also calls on New Delhi to cease the use of force in Kashmir, restore the State’s self-rule, reduce Indian military footprint, and immediately start talks with Pakistan and Kashmiris to find a permanent peaceful solution to Kashmir Conflict in light of UN Security Council resolutions.

YFK–International Kashmir Lobby Group (Youth Forum For Kashmir) is a non-partisan, international non-governmental organization, working for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir Conflict in accordance with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions.

For more information, please contact Ghulam Shabbir (+92 322 5244404 / shabbir@yfk.org.pk)