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India-Pakistan | |||||
UN human rights panel chief wants India to abolish AFSPA | |||||
2009-03-23 | |||||
NEW DELHI: Expressing concern over reported disappearance of people in Kashmir, the United Nations on Monday proposed India to have independent investigations into it and wanted New Delhi to repeal the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). "India can invite "In the past two decades, hundreds of cases of disappearances have been reported in Kashmir. These cases must be properly investigated in order to bring a sense of closure to the families who for far too long have been awaiting for news," she said.
Pillay, however, said she did not get any assurance from the ministers about repeal of AFSPA. "I did not get any assurance about repealing the Act. The ministers said AFSPA is implemented in certain conflict areas and was necessary (in those areas)," she said.
She said minorities and dalits demand protection. There will be a world conference in Geneva next month on the human rights violation of minorities. She said both India and South Africa have many archaic laws, including those that criminalise homosexuality. "You (India) have to look at these laws. You are a vibrant democracy," she observed. Earlier, addressing the members of NHRC and State Commissions, she said, "India should repeal those dated and colonial-era laws that breach contemporary international human rights standards". The horrific terrorist attack in Mumbai has also polarised society and risks stoking suspicions against the Muslim community. It is imperative to counter violent religious extremism of any kind by insisting on peaceful coexistence, tolerance and acceptance of diversity, she said.
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Posted by:john frum |