Date:25/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/25/stories/2007052519080100.htm

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European Parliament adopts report on Kashmir

London: The European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday passed the Baroness Emma Nicholson report on Kashmir with an overwhelming majority. The report criticised Pakistan for its lack of progress on democracy and human rights and commended India as the largest secular democracy.

The report voiced concerns over fundamental freedoms and in particular the rights of women, children and minorities in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and pointed to reports of torture, mistreatment, discrimination and corruption there.

"India is the world's largest secular democracy and has devolved democratic structures at all levels," while "Pakistan still lacks full implementation of democracy in Pak-occupied Kashmir, and has yet to take steps towards democracy in Gilgit and Baltistan."

— PTI