New York, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that Indian authorities continue to restrict freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and other basic rights in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) throughout 2023.
According to Kashmir Media Service, HRW’s World Report 2024 notes ongoing reports of extrajudicial killings by Indian forces and the arrest of critics and human rights defenders on dubious terrorism charges. The report highlights the case of prominent Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez, who was detained in November 2021 and charged with financing terrorism under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Journalist Irfan Mehraj, associated with Parvez’s human rights organization, was also arrested under the same allegations. The UN human rights experts have called for Parvez’s release and condemned the use of UAPA against civil society and human rights defenders.
In April 2023, six UN human rights experts wrote to the Indian government expressing concerns over the arbitrary detention and ill-treatment of human rights defender Muhammad Ahsan Untoo, suggesting his detention was part of a strategy to disrupt human rights advocacy.
The report also notes that in May 2023, the G20 Tourism Working Group’s meeting in occupied Kashmir drew criticism from the UN special rapporteur on minority issues for providing a semblance of normalcy during escalating human rights violations.
HRW’s report additionally addresses the persecution of minorities and dissenters in India under the Modi government. It highlights the government’s actions against activists, journalists, and critics, including arrests on politically motivated charges. The report emphasizes the discriminatory and divisive policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government, which have led to increased violence against minorities and created an environment of fear and intimidation against government critics.
The report details incidents of harassment against journalists and activists, including the raid on BBC offices in New Delhi and Mumbai, and the targeting of individuals and organizations critical of the Modi government. It also mentions the Indian authorities’ imposition of the largest number of internet shutdowns globally in 2022, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
HRW’s report concludes by criticizing the Indian government’s actions, including the retaliatory measures against Muslim residents in Haryana state and the violence in Manipur state. It also discusses the Indian government’s attempt to shield a BJP parliament member from allegations of sexual abuse and the impact of internet shutdowns on social and economic services.
The report provides a comprehensive overview of the ongoing human rights violations and the repressive tactics employed by the Indian government, both domestically and internationally.