Islamabad: The political and human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains dire, with extensive reports of abuses facilitated by several draconian laws enforced by the Indian government. These laws, including the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and others, have been instrumental in perpetuating a cycle of violence and repression against the Kashmiri populace.
According to Kashmir Media Service, a recent report sheds light on the oppressive legal measures like AFSPA, the Public Safety Act (PSA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Enemy Agent Ordinance (EAO). These laws are designed to suppress any form of dissent by granting Indian forces sweeping powers to detain, arrest, and even kill civilians without adequate judicial oversight.
The implementation of these laws has resulted in numerous human rights violations including mass killings, enforced disappearances, and widespread torture. Organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have strongly criticized these actions, labeling them as violations of international human rights standards and akin to state terrorism.
The AFSPA, in particular, has been notorious for its provision allowing troops to operate with near-total impunity, leading to extrajudicial killings and other severe human rights abuses. The PSA and UAPA further contribute to this atmosphere of fear, enabling the arbitrary detention of Kashmiri civilians, often on flimsy grounds or fabricated charges.
The international community has expressed increasing concern over these practices, urging a comprehensive investigation into the human rights abuses in IIOJK and calling for the repeal or reform of these laws. There is a growing consensus that these measures not only tarnish India’s democratic image but also fuel the ongoing conflict in the region.
As the situation in IIOJK continues to evolve, the demand for accountability and the protection of fundamental human rights remains at the forefront of international discourse, highlighting the critical need for intervention and policy changes to ensure peace and justice for the Kashmiri people.