Kashmir: The Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed concern over reports of harassment and threats against Muslims in India following the Pahalgam attack in April. International media reported that Kashmiri Muslim vendors and students in several Indian cities faced vilification after militants killed 26 tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam town.
The IPHRC noted that such incidents appear linked to claims made by far-right groups accusing Muslims of involvement in the attack. The Commission acknowledged the loss of civilian lives in Pahalgam but underlined that reprisal attacks on innocent civilians are violations of human rights.
The OIC body urged Indian authorities to protect Muslim communities by adopting effective measures and ensuring accountability. It also called on the international community and UN human rights mechanisms to monitor the situation and safeguard Muslim rights.
In its statement, the IPHRC requested the establishment of an independent international fact-finding mission to assess the human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir. It also urged India to comply with international human rights standards, release political prisoners, and review laws viewed as discriminatory.
The Commission reaffirmed that civilian safety must be prioritized at all times. It emphasized that responses to violence must not target communities unrelated to attacks. The statement came amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident, with both nations exchanging accusations over responsibility.
