UN calls for inquiry into abuses in Kashmir

The United Nations human rights chief on Thursday called for a major investigation into abuses in Kashmir, as his office released its first report into offences committed by India and Pakistan in the disputed territory. Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said he would urge the Human Rights Council, which opens a session next week, “to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir”. The UN report, which is particularly critical of India, highlights “chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces”. India’s foreign ministry rejected the report.