Brussels/Geneva, (Unib Rashid) – The Kashmir Institute of International Relations (KIIR), led by its Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani, has submitted an urgent appeal to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), seeking intervention over the alleged attachment of ancestral properties in Kachama, Kupwara district, under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to the appeal, the property attachment was ordered by the Director General of Police in Jammu and Kashmir and concerns properties reportedly belonging to Abdul Majid Qureshi and Parvaiz Ahmad Qureshi. Local orders cited in the appeal reportedly describe the properties as “proceeds of terrorism.”

KIIR has expressed concern that the action may constitute arbitrary deprivation of property and could amount to the targeting of displaced persons and individuals who, according to the institute, have previously experienced state-related persecution.

Allegations Concerning the Affected Individuals

In its appeal, KIIR states that Abdul Majid Qureshi fled to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in the late 1990s following the killing of his brother, Mustafa Qureshi. The institute alleges that he subsequently faced repeated summons, harassment and intimidation at police stations and army camps.

KIIR further states that Qureshi, who reportedly suffers from several chronic health conditions, has no credible links to any militant organization.

The appeal also concerns Parvaiz Ahmad Qureshi, the son of Mustafa Qureshi. According to KIIR, he was detained and allegedly subjected to torture following his father’s death before relocating to AJK in 2018 on a valid passport and visa.

The properties under consideration reportedly comprise approximately 15 kanals of land along with residential structures in Kachama, Kupwara, and are linked to FIR No. 276/22, registered at Police Station Kupwara under provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the UAPA.

Human Rights and Due Process Concerns

KIIR argues that the attachment proceedings raise a number of human rights and legal concerns. Among the issues highlighted in its appeal are:

• The alleged use of counter-terrorism legislation to deprive refugees and displaced persons of their property.
• Possible arbitrary deprivation of property and the imposition of punitive measures on family members.
• Concerns regarding the treatment of individuals who have legally migrated or sought refuge elsewhere.
• Questions regarding due process, access to effective legal remedies and independent review of the attachment proceedings.
• The need to ensure that counter-terrorism measures remain consistent with applicable international human rights obligations.

KIIR has called for particular scrutiny of the application of the UAPA in Jammu and Kashmir where, it alleges, the legislation may have been used against civilians and displaced persons.

KIIR’s Appeal to the UN Human Rights Office

The institute has requested the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to:

1. Examine the legality and circumstances surrounding the reported property attachments in Kupwara and assess whether applicable international human rights obligations have been respected.
2. Urge the Government of India to suspend enforcement of the attachment orders pending an independent and transparent review of the proceedings.
3. Monitor the application of the UAPA in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in cases involving civilians, refugees and displaced persons, and communicate relevant findings to appropriate UN human rights mechanisms.
4. Facilitate access for independent observers and human rights monitors to establish the facts on the ground and assess the situation of the affected family.

Altaf Hussain Wani Calls for International Attention

KIIR Chairman Altaf Hussain Wani called for urgent international attention to the case.

“Attaching the homes and limited assets of a refugee who fled sustained persecution is a grave injustice,” Wani said. “This action appears to punish victims of state violence rather than address legitimate security concerns. We urge the High Commissioner and the international community to act immediately to protect fundamental rights and ensure accountability.”

KIIR said it is prepared to provide relevant documentation, witness statements and other supporting material to OHCHR investigators should an inquiry or assessment be undertaken.

The institute has urged the UN human rights office to examine the case independently and ensure that any counter-terrorism or property-related measures are implemented in accordance with due process and applicable human rights standards.