Pak summons Indian envoy, conveys 'serious concern' over Kashmir unrest

Islamabad: Pakistan Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry on Monday called in Indian High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale and conveyed Pakistan's "serious concerns over the recent killings" of Burhan Wani who they termed a "Kashmiri leader".

According to a statement by Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chaudhry observed that the use of excessive force against innocent civilians protesting peacefully over extrajudicial killings, is 'deplorable and a blatant violation' of the Right to Life, Right to Freedom of Expression and Opinion, Right to Peaceful Protest, Right to Peaceful Assembly and other fundamental rights.

"The Foreign Secretary deplored the firing by Indian security forces on peaceful protesters, resulting in killings of more than 30 innocent people and injuries of more than 300, around 50 critically. He highlighted that such brutal use of force is not acceptable under any circumstances," the statement added.

The Foreign Secretary also called for fair and transparent inquiry against individuals responsible for these killings and emphasized that oppressive measures cannot deter the 'valiant people' of the Jammu and Kashmir from their demand of exercising their right to self determination in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.

Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan's call on the Indian government to fulfil its human rights obligations as well as its commitments under the United Nations Security Council Resolutions to resolve the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

However, earlier today, India advised Islamabad to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of its neighbours.

Acknowledging Pakistan's statement on the current situation in the valley, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) responded saying that, Islamabad's statement reflected their attachment to terrorism.

"They reflect Pakistan's continued attachment to terrorism and its usage as an instrument of state policy. Pakistan is advised to refrain from interfering in internal affairs of its neighbours," the statement said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep shock over the killing of Burhan Wani and other civilians and condemned the 'excessive and unlawful' use of force against people in Indian-administered Kashmir.

"It is deplorable that excessive and unlawful force was used against civilians who were protesting against the killing of Burhan Wani," said Sharif in a statement.

Earlier on Sunday, the Foreign Office spokesperson also issued a statement deploring the oppressive measures adopted by Indian forces and called the killing of Wani as extrajudicial.

"Pakistan reiterates that the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is only possible by the realisation of the right to self determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, as per the UNSC resolutions, through a fair and impartial plebiscite under UN auspices," the statement said.

"Such acts are a violation of fundamental human rights of Kashmiris and can not deter the people of Jammu and Kashmir from their demand for the realisation of the right to self determination," the statement added.

Islamabad also expressed its concern over the detention of Kashmiri leadership and called upon New Delhi to fulfill the human rights obligations as per the United Nations.

The Kashmir valley has been on a boil since as widespread protests were carried out over Wani's killing with many separatists' calling for a shutdown.