In the last week there has been a rise in exchange of fire along the Line of Control between India and Pakistan, this has led to a rise in casualties on both sides, especially with the alleged use of cluster bombs, whose victims reportedly include children.
In this context the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) issued a statement asking both countries to take care of their citizens. According to HRCP “increased deployment of troops and curfew-like restrictions on citizens are ominous signs of what may come. This could have grave repercussions for Kashmiri citizens on both sides of the Line of Control (LOC), should the escalation turn into armed conflict. With the gathering storm, the physical security and fundamental rights of Kashmiri citizens on both sides of the border are at stake. Their safety and rights must not be barefacedly trampled. Indeed, the need for regional peace and stability has never been greater. The international human rights community, too, must add its voice to those pleading for restraint and for saner voice to prevail.”
