By Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Jul 3 (APP):A delegation representing the people of Jammu and Kashmir concluded a series of meetings in Geneva with leading human rights activists and United Nations experts, bringing to light the deteriorating human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the detrimental impacts of the increasingly militarized Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage.
The delegation detailed how the annual Amarnath Yatra, traditionally welcomed by the Kashmiri Muslim community, has been increasingly exploited by the Indian government as a tool to advance a religious agenda, leading to significant socio-economic and environmental consequences for the region, said a press release issued here on Thursday.
鈥淜ashmiri Muslims have always extended hospitality to Yatris and respected their religious practices,鈥 stated Hurriyat Leader Altaf Hussain Wani. 鈥淗owever, in recent years, the Yatra has been transformed into a vehicle for furthering a Hindutva agenda, resulting in widespread disruption to our daily lives, economic hardship, and severe ecological damage.鈥
The delegation highlighted the heavy militarization surrounding the Yatra, which effectively turns the Kashmir Valley into a security zone, restricting the movement of local residents, disrupting essential services like healthcare and education, and infringing upon fundamental human rights. They presented evidence of increased surveillance, frequent identity checks, and intrusive searches impacting the civilian population.
鈥淭he scale of the security apparatus deployed during the Yatra is disproportionate and creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation,鈥 the spokesperson added. 鈥淥ur people are treated as suspects in their own land.鈥
Furthermore, the delegation expressed deep concern regarding the environmental impact of the Yatra. They presented reports detailing the significant increase in pollution, deforestation, and glacial melt due to the influx of large numbers of pilgrims and the associated infrastructure development.
Experts warn that unchecked expansion of the Yatra poses a serious threat to the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The delegation emphasized that the current approach to the Yatra is not only a violation of human rights but also a deliberate attempt to alter the demographic and cultural identity of IIOJK. They urged the international community to intervene and hold the Indian government accountable for its actions.
The delegation comprised Ghulam Muhammad Safi, Syed Faiz Naqashbandi, Sardar Amjad Yousaf, Shamim Shawl, Dr, Saira Shah , Naila Altaf Kayani and Mehru Nisa.