By IRNA,
Srinagar, India : Indian security forces are not always complying with the international law and are even violating their own manual while dealing with the protesters in Kashmir, Amnesty International said Wednesday.
”Security forces should not use live ammunition except as a last resort to protect against a threat to life, the Amnesty said.
“Some of the recent demonstrations have turned violent, but the security forces should still respect and protect the right to life at all times,” said Sam Zarifi, Amnesty International’s Asia-Pacific Director.
Security forces should use firearms only where unavoidable to protect life, and to the minimum extent required, in compliance with their own manual and international law and standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, the statement read. “The number and circumstances of fatal shootings suggest that this has not always been the case,” Sam said.
From Friday 30 July to Sunday 1 August, nine protestors were killed by gunfire from the the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force during demonstrations. Five more deaths have been reported Tuesday, including one demonstrator who succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained on Saturday.
Amnesty International said it recognizes the duty and responsibility of the authorities to protect the public, public property and officials from attack, and to investigate and prosecute those suspected of committing a recognizable criminal offence. The right to freedom of assembly protects only peaceful assembly. “Protestors who engage in human rights abuses must be held accountable for their actions”.
Similarly, according to international law, Amnesty said, all incidents of police shootings should be investigated promptly, independently, impartially and thoroughly. Members of security forces suspected of violating human rights, irrespective of rank, should be prosecuted in proceedings that meet international standards of fairness. Survivors and families of victims should be provided with reparations.
The latest round of demonstrations began in late May over reported extrajudicial executions of three young men in Machil sector on the dividing Line of Control in north Kashmir. Protests increased after the killing of 17-year old Tufail Mattoo by police in Srinagar on June 11. They have intensified over repeated cycles of protests and further killings by security forces. 17 protestors were killed between 11 June and 19 July. Hundreds of people, including 45 security force personnel, have been injured in the demonstrations to date.