Kashmir: People's Tribunal requests Jammu & Kashmir government to determine the impact of landmines on local communities

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An International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir, which held hearings in Indian Administered Kashmir in 2008 and early 2009, has issued a Memorandum on its findings to Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The Tribunal was concerned with events since 2003 when the most recent Indo-Pakistani ceasefire was concluded.

Among other considerations which the Tribunal put forward , it noted that: "the placement of landmines along the border and other sensitive areas in Jammu and Kashmir continues to endanger lives, including those of children. While the Government of India is not a signatory to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction, and has continued to justify landmine use in Jammu and Kashmir, we ask that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir institute a comprehensive ban on the use of landmines. We ask that an audit be conducted to ascertain the impact of landmines on local communities, to determine the extent of casualties, devastation, and displacement, and undertake rehabilitation of those affected and de-mining."

The ICBL noted that while the Jammu and Kashmir State Government does not have the power to ban mine use by the Indian Army, it is important that the State authorities follow up on this recommendation and conduct a survey of the precise impact of landmines on local communities, since civil society actors are prohibited access to most communities in the border areas. State authorities can and should demand better marking and fencing of all mined areas within Jammu & Kashmir by the Indian Army. Restitution to landmine victims available in other states of India should be extended to those in Jammu and Kashmir who are currently denied such relief.

Upon receipt of the memorandum on 11 February 2009, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah made a public statement saying that he would consider the memorandum at the highest level, and would invite the International People's Tribunal for further discussions.

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