ISLAMABAD: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed its concern over the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir on Sunday, as New Delhi recently deployed additional paramilitary forces in the disputed region that sparked panic and fear among its residents.
With 57 member states, the OIC is frequently described as the collective voice of Muslims across the world. The organization’s secretariat in Jeddah was also alarmed by India’s use of banned cluster munition to target civilians along the Line of Control.
“The General Secretariat is saddened to learn about the civilian casualties resulting from cease-fire violations carried out by Indian forces across the Line of Control and expresses solidarity with the people of Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” said the organization’s official statement circulated on Sunday.
The OIC also reiterated that the international community should rise up to its responsibility and work for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir dispute through the democratic method of a free and impartial plebiscite in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
The OIC is not the only international organization that has highlighted the persecution of the people of Kashmir at the hands of India’s security forces. Previously, the United Nations also published a lengthy report documenting human rights violations in the Muslim-majority region of Kashmir under New Delhi’s control.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s envoy to Saudi Arabia Raja Ali Ejaz met with OIC officials to brief them about the situation in the region, pointing to the fact that there was deep anxiety among the people of Indian-administered Kashmir due to the recent deployment of Indian paramilitary forces.
Pakistan and India have fought two wars over Kashmir since their independence from Britain in August 1947. The two nuclear-armed neighbors came close to a third war earlier this year when they fought a brief dogfight over the region. Pakistan shot down an Indian fighter jet and captured its pilot who was later returned to New Delhi as a goodwill gesture.
