World Muslim Congress calls for urgent UN intervention over Kashmir issue

MIRPUR (AJK) , (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point news - 16th Mar, 2026) The World Muslim Congress has called for urgent international intervention in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and highlighted “cultural genocide” in the disputed region.

In a statement delivered at the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva , a representative of the organisation pointed out a worsening human rights situation in the territory.

Altaf Hussain Wani, chairman of the Kashmir Institute of International Relations, speaking on behalf of the group during a general debate under Agenda Item 3, said the region had been turned into an “open-air prison”.

He said that fundamental freedoms such as freedom of expression and peaceful assembly were being suppressed under stringent laws, and added that increased digital surveillance and restrictions on social media were isolating residents from the outside world.

The statement also accused authorities of targeting human rights defenders through arbitrary detention and violence, and said many political detainees had remained in prison for years without trial.

Wani criticised what he described as Delhi’s “Seven Pillars” security doctrine, saying it had militarised civilian life rather than providing protection.

APP/ahr/378