I am writing with regard to the article "Emergency law fuels army abuses in Indian Kashmir: Amnesty" (July 2). The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1990 was basically designed to quell the independence-seeking Muslim population of Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and therefore awarded sweeping powers to shoot on sight, detain suspects without trial and seize property. For almost six decades residents allege that they have been subjected to unprovoked killing, sexual assaults and torture by Indian soldiers and paramilitary forces. UN resolutions must be upheld to give Kashmiris their rights. Rafiqul Islam, Online response The world has virtually ignored the outstanding issues of Kashmir and Palestine for more than six decades. Generations of Khasmiris and Palestinians have lived under occupation. If South Sudan, East Timor, Quebec and Scotland have had the opportunity to choose their destiny, why not Kashmir and Palestine? Anis Chowdhury, Online response
