Kunan-Poshpora ‘chilling example of impunity’ surrounding rights violations in Kashmir: Amnesty Int’l

New Delhi: Terming Kunan Poshpora incident “a chilling example of the impunity that surrounds human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir”, rights group Amnesty International India has sought impartial investigation into the alleged rape incident on its 27th anniversary.
“For 27 years, the lack of accountability for the crimes committed in Kunan and Poshpora has been a festering injustice, and a chilling example of the impunity that surrounds human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir,” Asmita Basu, Programmes Director at Amnesty International India said.
Basu said authorities must ensure impartial investigation into the allegations and also demanded suspects to be prosecuted in a civilian court.
Pertinently, in 2011, Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission had directed state government to compensate victims, and also re-investigate the allegations.
After two years in 2013, Kupwara district court had directed Jammu and Kashmir Police to investigate allegations into the investigation within three months. “Five survivors of Kunan Poshpora had filed a petition in Jammu and Kashmir High Court in October 2013, whereas state agencies have been able to secure the temporary orders suspending investigations and the provision of compensation,” stated the Amnesty statement.