Thread by @osamabinjavaid

Some cluster munitions used in disputed #Kashmir @banclusterbombs @erinlynnhunt @MinesActionCan
@amyjlittle @noclusterbombs @MineMonitor @ISUCCM
@MineActionRev @yeshuamp @unodavienna @ONU_fr @UNPeacebuilding @EU_NonProlif @Lara @andersoncooper @Article36 @nuclearban

Nuclear armed #India and #Pakistan have exchanged fire over the line of control @explosiveweapon @lauraboillot @K8brannen @jricole @CorentinBr @Ifri_ @NATOSource @UF @Kennedy_School @FletcherSchool @ACScowcroft @KVignard @JensLaerke @banclusterbombs @IvoHDaalder @bellingcat

These bomblets are scattered in open areas
@banminesusa @legaciesofwar @MineBanTreaty @ICRC @ArmsControlNow @WarInstitute @RenataDwan @UNIDIR @Msg_of_Humanity @amnestyusa @SmallArmsSurvey @FrankRGardner @theIRC @AtlanticCouncil @ChicagoCouncil @IntlPeaceBureau @froomkin

We recorded these munitions in Neelum Valley #Kashmir @IISS_org @ArmsTreatyOrg @undispatch @carlbildt @PAXforpeace @TimMilesWright @Lacroix_UN @OICatUN @UNPeacekeeping @ICRC_NYC @AminaJMohammed @INakamitsu @knightfdn @ezraklein @ggreenwald @antonioguterres @NATO @jeffabramson

Can cluster bombs be used in civilian population? @UN_Disarmament @FAScientists @HI_UK @ODA_Geneva @UNGeneva @CJR @alexhiniker
@globalnyc @achesonray @WILPF @RCW_ @nuclearban @hdevreij @just_security @ForeignPolicy @Politico @defense_news @AtlanticCouncil @a_pytlak @RCW_ @WILPF

India has produced cluster munitions using ground-delivered artillery projectiles, rockets, and missiles. It is not known to have developed or produced air-dropped cluster munitions the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/…

One analyst says that #India is using ZP 39 - similar to what ISIL used in Syria hrw.org/news/2014/09/0…

India and Pakistan did not sign up to the cluster munition convention, but using them in civilian areas is considered indiscriminate - which is banned under international humanitarian law @hrw dawn.com/news/1497882

At least 12 countries have transferred over fifty different types of cluster munitions to at least fifty-eight other countries. However, the true scope of the global trade in cluster munitions is difficult to ascertain says @hrw hrw.org/legacy/backgro…

@hrw Israel (arms-exporter to India) produces M85 similar to what's used in #Kashmir

It's a major producer of cluster munitions. IMI govt-owned weapons manufacturer produces artillery projectiles
from 105mm to 203mm
mortar bombs 120mm
rockets (TCS, GRADLAR, LAR-160) with submunitions

@hrw Based on shrapnel and plates, one researcher pointed to Russian manufactured munitions such as RBK Bomb, KMG-U Dispenser, Smerch and Urgan Rocket. #India has imported some of these from Russia.

@hrw "The munitions have been used by artillery dispersal method. Unclear whether they exploded on impact or timed explosion. Because they are too small, children mistake them for toys. Military teams investigating further" an officer from Pakistan's @OfficialDGISPR told @AJEnglish

@hrw @OfficialDGISPR @AJEnglish It's difficult to ascertain origin and investigate because the bomblets are small and can be triggered with small pressure. Most of the #clusterbomb s were spotted in Neelum valley but local sources say they've also been seen in other sectors on #LoC between #India & #Pakistan