Intellectuals appeal to UN on Kashmir blockade

KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Aug 12: Over 50 academics, social activists, writers, filmmakers, artists, lawyers, and concerned citizens, mostly based in the United States, including some of Indian origin, have approached the United Nations, drawing its attention to the humanitarian crisis in Kashmir Valley due to the ongoing blockade of Jammu-Srinagar national highway by what they called 'religious nationalist groups'.
In an appeal to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, United Nations, they have maintained that the economic blockade has resulted in severe shortages in the Kashmir Valley of food and other vital provisions. We are reliably informed that petrol and essential medical rations, including blood, are in critically short supply, as well as newsprint, and that communication services and infrastructure are severely disrupted. The appeal calls for an immediate removal of the blockade.
Expressing concern over the insecurities of the Muslim minority in Jammu, they have blamed the government for its ineffective handling of the situation. They have also blamed the Hindutava groups like BJP, RSS and VHP for instigating people in Jammu. The appeal has also condemned the brutalities including incidents of open firing by security forces on protestors.
The appeal has called for UN's immediate attention and also suggested some measures for defusing the situation. The appeal calls for immediately end of the economic blockade and ensuring that goods and services, including emergency medical and food supplies, can move in both directions along the Srinagar-Jammu border. It also calls for opening the Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road, a promise repeatedly reiterated by successive governments of India and Pakistan, though never implemented. This would ensure that the current crisis situation is not repeated as well as mark a concrete step forward in addressing injustices and the peace process. It further suggests immediate action to stop the violence against the Muslim minority in Jammu and bring those responsible to justice and putting an end to ongoing human rights abuses by Indian forces and pro-India militias as repeatedly promised by the Indian Prime Minister and expected of democratic governments. It also calls for steps for a long-term resolution of the conflict.
The signatories to the appeal maintain that their work and conscience connects them to Kashmir and its people and that they hold no political affiliations. Some of the signatories are Angana Chatterji, Shubh Mathur, Mridu Rai, Dr. Geraldine Forbes, Sandeep Vaidya, Feroz Ahmed Wani, David Wolfe and Pei Wu.