ISLAMABAD: Human rights violations in India-held Kashmir are not an internal matter of the Indian state, said Iyad Amin Madani, secretary-general of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The head of the world's largest bloc of Muslim countries has expressed concern over human rights violations in India-held Kashmir, which has seen weeks of deadly clashes between Muslim protesters and police.

Madani told a joint news conference along with Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz that the situation in Kashmir was deteriorating and urged the international community to act, saying the situation should be resolved at the political level.

"The international community should raise its voice against the atrocities in India-held Kashmir.

“Unfortunately, very few voices have come out against Indian tyranny,” said Madani.

“The situation in Kashmir is heading towards a referendum. No one should be afraid of a referendum and the solution should be through the United Nations resolutions in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The human rights violations in India-held Kashmir are not internal matter of the Indian state.”

The secretary general said the OIC is eager that the Kashmir issue is resolved and fully supports Pakistan. “The OIC has a dedicated special advisor on Kashmir and a liaison group that will meet at the UN General Assembly session in the United States.”

“Just statements alone are not enough when it comes to occupied Kashmir but the issue cannot be raised at the political level with silence.”

The secretary general said he hopes the next session of the OIC will be held in Pakistan. “Pakistan has hosted many historical sessions of the OIC in the past.”

The Advisor on Foreign Affairs welcomed Madani’s remarks, saying the two had spoken at length on the Kashmir issue.

Aziz stressed that Pakistan and India should resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue. “We want dialogue with India, but we are waiting on India’s response, after which the situation will become clearer.”

The foreign affairs advisor urged the international community and the UN take notice of the human rights violations in Kashmir.