Updated

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

Iyad Madani, the secretary-general of 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation, told a news conference in Pakistan that the situation in Kashmir was deteriorating and urged the international community to act.

At least 63 civilians have been killed in the Himalayan region, mostly by Indian forces, since the killing of a top rebel leader last month set off renewed protests against Indian rule.

Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan and claimed by both. Most Kashmiris want an end to Indian rule and favor independence or a merger with Pakistan.