Jeddah, August 16, SPA -- The Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Professor Dr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu has strongly condemned the ongoing excessive and unwarranted use of force against the Kashmiri people. Expressing his deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Kashmir that had resulted in loss of life and property of the Kashmiri people, the Secretary General called upon the Indian Government to take immediate steps to end violence against innocent Kashmiris in the interest of creating and sustaining an enabling environment for the ongoing peace process between Pakistan and India, aimed at peaceful settlement of the long standing Jammu and Kashmir dispute. In a press statement, he said also expressed deep concern on the reported attacks on the life and property of Muslims there and the ongoing economic blockade. He called for steps on the part of international humanitarian and human rights organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council, to address the situation in a manner that would prevent the human rights violations against the Kashmiris. Expressing deep sorrow and grief at the martyrdom of Shaikh Abdul Aziz-a prominent Kashmiri leader-the Secretary General offered condolences to his family and those of other innocent Kashmiris who had lost their lives in the ongoing violence.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/582415