Geneva, August 28 (KMS): The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has voiced its concern about the recent killings and violence perpetuated by Indian troops and paramilitary forces and restrictions to right to freedom of assembly and expression in occupied Kashmir.

The OHCHR in a statement issued in Geneva said, “OHCHR calls on the Indian authorities and in particular Indian troops and paramilitary forces to respect the right to freedom of assembly and expression, and comply with international human rights principles in controlling the demonstrators.”

"The use of force should be proportionate to the threat posed and firearms must only be used in dispersing a violent assembly to protect individuals against an imminent threat of death or serious injury," the statement added. It called for thorough and independent investigations into all killings that have occurred so far in occupied Kashmir.

OHCHR also asked the demonstrators to use only peaceful means when protesting. "Leaders of the different protesting groups have a responsibility to ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and that the demonstrators are not carrying sticks, guns or other weapons and refrain from intimidation," stated OHCHR.