IKV Pax Christi
The Netherlands / Utrecht, 1 July 2008
Statement of Solidarity
IKV Pax Christi expresses its deep concern and shock about the attempt, in
the night of June 30th 2008, to assassinate Advocate Parvez Imroz,
distinguished human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Jammu & Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) and the Association for Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) based in Srinagar, capital city of Indian-administered Kashmir.
An attack apparently carried out by state actors c.q. men in CRPF (Central
Reserve Police Force) uniform and SOG (Special Operations Group) uniform, who
brutally targetted Imroz and his family in their residence.
As Dutch National Peace Movement (www.ikvpaxchristi.nl) we work in
international partnership with Advocate Imroz cum suis since over seven years and highly respect the courageous work done and the persistence to fight against humanrights violations and impunity in the conflict ridden society of Kashmir, against all odds.
As co-convener of the International People's Tribunal on Human Rights and
Justice in Indian-administered Kashmir (http://www.kashmirprocess.org), Imroz
took up the task to investigate facts and figures on humanrights violations in a process of coming to truth and justice.
Advocate 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 in Kashmir and India, authorities fail to
understand the importance of his work and his contribution to come to justice and true democracy in Kashmir. It is of great concern and clearly
unacceptable that he, on the contrary, is harassed and has to fear for his life.
IKV Pax Christi declares 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 and for enlarging the role of independent civil
society as an actor in creating a future in freedom and democracy.
We appeal global civil society to likewise express their solidarity to
Advocate Imroz and family, will urge international diplomatic and political actors to appeal for protection of humanrights defenders like Imroz c.s. and
address state authorities in Delhi and Srinagar to seek accountability.
In solidarity
Mrs. Drs. Marjan Lucas, Senior Staff
IKV Pax Christi - The Netherlands
PO Box 19318, 3501 DH Utrecht
www.ikvpaxchristi.nl
lucas [at] ikvpaxchristi [dot] nl
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