Islamabad (TDI): Chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), Altaf Hussain Wani, has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, calling for immediate action to address the escalating violence and discrimination faced by Kashmiri Muslims in India following the Pahalgam incident.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Wani, in a strongly worded letter, highlighted the disturbing trend of Islamophobia and targeted hostility emerging in the wake of the tragedy.
He noted that while the Pahalgam attack was universally condemned across all sections of Kashmiri society, including political and religious leaders, it is now being manipulated to fuel hatred and aggression against innocent Kashmiris throughout India.
Wani’s letter cited alarming media reports showing a surge in inflammatory and hateful rhetoric online. Social media platforms, he stated, are witnessing calls for “Israel-like retaliation” and even chilling advocacy for “ethnic cleansing” of Kashmiri Muslims.
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“This dangerous rhetoric seeks to hold an entire community responsible for the actions of a few unknown individuals,” he warned. “It has fostered a toxic digital climate that is spilling over into real-world violence and discrimination.”
Expressing grave concern over the worsening situation, Wani urged the United Nations to take swift action to prevent further marginalization and targeting of Kashmiri Muslims. He stressed that the international community has a responsibility to intervene before the situation escalates into wider communal violence.
In his urgent appeal to the UN High Commissioner, Wani emphasized the need for a comprehensive response to combat hate speech, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that those promoting violence and discrimination are held accountable under international human rights laws.
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KIIR reiterated its commitment to advocating for the protection of human rights and called on global human rights organizations, civil society, and the media to amplify the plight of Kashmiri Muslims facing growing threats across mainland India.
The Kashmir Institute of International Relations remains steadfast in its mission to highlight injustices and promote peace, coexistence, and the rule of law in the region.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
