Altaf Hussain Wani, the Permanent Representative of the World Muslim Congress to Geneva and APHC representative, raised serious concerns about the Indian government’s use of mercenaries, both domestically and internationally.

According to a Kashmir Media Service report on Friday, speaking at an interactive dialogue in Geneva on the Working Group’s report regarding the use of mercenaries and their impact on human rights and self-determination, Wani denounced this practice as a significant violation of international norms.

Wani expressed strong support for the Working Group’s report, which highlights severe human rights abuses and obstacles to self-determination linked to the deployment of mercenaries and private armies. ‘The Indian government’s use of mercenaries extends beyond its borders, threatening and silencing critics in countries such as Canada and Australia, as well as in Kashmir. This pervasive culture of impunity is unacceptable and demands urgent attention,’ Wani stated.

In his address, Wani sharply criticized the Indian government for employing mercenaries in various forms, including village defense committees and task forces, which he described as tools for suppressing political dissent. He highlighted the dire situation in Kashmir, where he said, the Indian government not only grants unchecked authority to its armed forces but also facilitates civilians in targeting political opponents.

Wani pointed to alarming reports of intimidation, harassment, extortion, and even murder by these mercenaries, stressing the lack of accountability and justice for the victims. He emphasized that these actions contribute to a broader culture of impunity that undermines human rights and the right to self-determination.

Urging the Working Group to conduct a thorough investigation into these crimes, Wani called on the Human Rights Council to take a decisive stand against such abuses. ‘The situation demands a collective effort to condemn these actions and work towards the protection of human rights and the guarantee of self-determination,’ Wani concluded. He stressed the necessity for immediate and decisive action by the international community to address these critical issues and hold those responsible accountable.