World cannot ignore plight of Kashmiris

The writer of “World can no longer sit by and let Pakistan foment terrorism” (Oct 10) stated that “Kashmiris in the Indian part have integrated more effectively into the mainstream”. His view does not reflect the news from mainstream media.

Burhan Wani, whom the writer referred to as a terrorist, was killed in July. How does one explain the ensuing continued unrest in Indian-controlled Kashmir to date?

Kashmiris’ grievances go back to 1947. India had proposed and accepted a plebiscite to let them decide on their rulers, but has failed to undertake this and holds them under military guard.

India controls its part of Kashmir with soldiers under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, and they have been tarnished by accusations of torture and rape.

The tyranny of powers given under the Act was in the spotlight in the Malom massacre in 2000, when soldiers shot dead 10 civilians.

This moved a woman in Manipur, Ms Irom Sharmila, to fast for 16 years to urge the Indian government to do away with the Act in her state.

The protocol followed by police to quell unrest in India is to use batons, but in Kashmir, soldiers are allowed to use pellets.

Hundreds of protestors have suffered eye injuries, and several others have been killed, including a 13-year-old boy recently.

The world must no longer sit by and let Kashmiris be oppressed. It must pressure India to make good on its promise to hold a plebiscite for them to decide their future.