New York: Human Rights Watch has issued a stark assessment five years after India revoked the special autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that the region still experiences severe restrictions on freedoms and ongoing human rights abuses.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Human Rights Watch’s report details various forms of repression by Indian forces in the region, including arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and severe curtailment of speech and assembly. Meenakshi Ganguly, the deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, criticized the Indian government’s claim of normalcy, pointing out the continued suppression of fundamental freedoms in Jammu and Kashmir.
The situation has been exacerbated by the Indian government’s legal actions against prominent activists and critics, including the recent arrests under the stringent Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The use of these laws has been particularly aggressive in detaining individuals without trial and stifling dissent.
Furthermore, the report highlights the plight of journalists and human rights defenders who have faced police interrogations, raids, and fabricated charges to deter them from reporting on the situation. A new media policy introduced by the Modi government in June 2020, which facilitates greater censorship, has also been criticized for undermining press freedom.
The shutdown of the internet for over 500 days between 2019 and 2021 under the pretext of maintaining public order is another measure that has drawn international criticism. The prolonged blackout severely impacted daily life, economic activities, and medical services in the region.
Human Rights Watch calls on the Indian government to reevaluate its approach in Jammu and Kashmir, prioritize justice for victims of abuses, and hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. The report emphasizes the need for a significant policy shift to restore rights and freedoms in the region.