Amnesty International calls on India to investigate mass graves

Amnesty international has called upon the Indian government to investigate mass graves found in Indian administered Kashmir believed to contain the remains of thousands, victims of enforced disappearances, torture and murder.

The conflict in Kashmir has raged on since the creation of Pakistan from former British colonies in 1947. Pakistan and India have fought three wars over the region since 1947. Kashmir is said to be a 'heaven on Earth'. Situated in the himalayan region, it is known for its scenic mountainous views and beautiful valleys.




Human rights groups have accused the Indian government of abuses in administered Kashmir. There is a UN resolution on Kashmir calling for a referendum. India has never allowed one, since the majority Muslim province would either vote for independence or vote to be apart of Pakistan.

The region is the most militarised zone in the world. Both Pakistan and India are nuclear powers. India accuses Pakistan of supporting militant groups in Kashmir. Pakistan denies funding groups and says the only support they receive is diplomatic.

The Western world seems to ignore the issue of Kashmir, since India is an ally of the West in its ‘War on Terror’. Also India can and may well be used as a pawn against China in the future. China and India had a war over the border in 1962. This may be used against the Chinese in the future.




Many neo-conservatives in Washington are uncomfortable with Pakistan, a Muslim country possessing a nuclear weapon, and the growing power of China. The only friendly ally in the region is India. This was evident when America proposed a nuclear deal with India in 2006.

This deal is extremely hypocritical since Iran is being bullied into stopping its nuclear program. America, during its discussion with India did not mention India’s human rights abuses in Kashmir. Human rights seems to be a common theme when America talks about China, Zimbabwe or Sudan, but when big nuclear deals are at stake, we soon come to realise where the American administrations interests really lie [sic].