Islamabad: Several foreign governments, including Canada and the United States, have raised concerns over allegations that Indian intelligence agencies are targeting Sikh and Kashmiri Hurriyat leaders both domestically and internationally.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, in October 2024, Canada’s national police service issued a statement implicating Indian state agents in criminal activities on Canadian soil, including homicide and extortion. Additionally, Indian authorities have reportedly canceled visas and denied entry to various government critics, including members of the diaspora.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a third term in June 2024. Under his administration, reports of discrimination against minority communities have persisted. Officials allegedly failed to address violence instigated by BJP supporters and instead targeted the victims, including through unlawful demolitions of Muslim properties.
Ethnic violence remains unresolved in the northeastern state of Manipur, with over 200 fatalities and more than 60,000 displaced since May 2023.
Despite these human rights concerns, several nations have continued to strengthen ties with India. However, the European Parliament adopted a resolution in January expressing urgent concerns about human rights, including nationalistic rhetoric and divisive policies. Furthermore, the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions deferred accreditation to India’s National Human Rights Commission for a second consecutive year in May.
A recent Human Rights Watch report highlights ongoing abuses across India, particularly in occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The report cites impunity for security forces, widespread attacks on minorities, and restrictions on civil society. It underscores a deepening erosion of fundamental freedoms and a lack of accountability for perpetrators.
In September, regional elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since its special status was revoked in 2019. While the government claimed peace had been restored, many Kashmiris viewed their votes as a protest against ongoing restrictions.
Violence in the Jammu region intensified between May and July, resulting in the deaths of soldiers and civilians. By September, 40 attacks had been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, with significant casualties among civilians, security personnel, and suspected militants.
In Ladakh, demonstrators demanded greater governance participation in March. In October, authorities detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who marched to Delhi for greater local governance and environmental protections, releasing them after 36 hours.
Religious minorities and migrant workers continued to face targeted attacks, while hundreds of Kashmiris, including journalists and activists, remained detained. Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez has been jailed since November 2021 under India’s counterterrorism law.
Journalists in Kashmir face risks such as police interrogation and threats. A policy introduced in June to protect officials from false complaints alarmed critics concerned about media freedom.
The police have used new allegations to keep individuals in custody despite court orders. In March, authorities re-arrested journalist Aasif Sultan under a new legal case after his release from a five-year detention.