Srinagar: Tomorrow, a prominent Kashmiri human rights defender, Khurram Parvez, will mark three years of detention on charges of terrorism and related offenses.

According to Kashmir Media Service, his arrest is seen as a reprisal for his work documenting human rights violations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Human rights organizations argue that this represents a broader assault on civil society and dissent in the region.

The human rights organizations, including Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Kashmir Law and Justice Project, International Federation for Human Rights, and others, have reiterated calls for his immediate and unconditional release. They emphasize his long-standing commitment to justice and accountability, which has gained international recognition, including awards such as the Martin Ennals Award and the Reebok Human Rights Award.

Khurram Parvez, known for his leadership roles in several human rights coalitions, has faced systematic retaliation from Indian authorities. His previous experiences include being barred from attending a UN Human Rights Council session and being detained under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, which was later ruled unlawful by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

On November 22, 2021, Parvez was arrested by the National Investigation Agency under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and has since been held in Rohini Jail, New Delhi. Despite repeated requests, he has been denied bail and continues to face additional charges.

The organizations also highlight the ongoing detention of Irfan Meraj, a journalist and human rights defender, and the continued harassment of others associated with the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society. They urge Indian authorities to adhere to international human rights norms, stop criminalizing human rights work, and allow Khurram Parvez to return home.