Srinagar, July 04 (KMS): A Dutch based Non Government Organisation, IKV Pax Christi has expressed deep concern and shock over the attempt to assassinate Advocate Parvez Imroz, distinguished human rights activist in occupied Kashmir. Imroz had a narrow escape in a grenade attack by Indian troops and police at his house on June 30.

Marjan Lucas, staff member of the IKV Pax Christi/Kashmir Programme termed the attack as a brutal and cowardly act. She said that Dutch National Peace Movement have been working in international partnership with Advocate Imroz for over seven years and highly respects the courageous work done by him and the his persistence to fight against human rights violations and impunity in occupied Kashmir, against all odds.

As co-convener of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and Justice in Kashmir, Imroz took up the task to investigate facts and figures on human rights violations in the occupied territory, Luccas said. Imroz was awarded the Ludovic-Trarieux International Human Rights Prize in 2006.  “As European civil society and international partners, we honoured him and all the members of his organisation for this international recognition.” 

It is very unfortunate that occupation authorities in Kashmir fail to understand the importance of his work and his contribution for the prevalence of justice in Kashmir. It is of great concern and clearly unacceptable that Imroz, on the contrary, is being harassed and has to fear for his life, she lamented. Marjan Lucas said that IKV Pax Christi has expressed its solidarity with Imroz and those who cooperate with him in a non-violent struggle for truth and justice, for recognition of people’s basic human rights. 

Marjan Lucas appealed the global civil society to likewise express their solidarity to Advocate Imroz and his family and urged international community to use its influence to protect human rights defenders and to bring the culprits to justice.