Saturday, April 30 2005 12:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: The European Parliament (EP) has expressed concern at continual acts of discrimination in Indian society based on caste-related, social or religious status and human rights abuses by security forces in the Kashmir region.

In its annual report on Human Rights around the world adopted in Brussels on Thursday (Apr 28, 2005), the EP recognised "India is the largest functioning democracy in the world and supports the progress made in the area of human rights."

However, the EP said it remained "concerned at continual acts of discrimination in Indian society based on caste-related, social or religious status."

"While this is primarily social problem in rural areas, it is an area in which the Indian Government needs to promote social change," it said.

"We are happy to note that they have recognized progress made in the human rights sector in India," said an Indian embassy official in Brussels, according to INEP News.

"We are happy that they also recognize the Government of India's continued efforts to promote social change in India," the official said.

Noting that it remained "concerned at reports of human rights abuses in the Kashmir region by members of the Indian military and police forces," the EP called on the Indian Government to ensure that all reports of such abuses are investigated promptly by a judicial authority.

It "strongly condemns" all acts of terrorism and violence throughout the region and insisted on full and open access for media and human rights organizations to the Kashmir region.