‘Serious Violations’ of Human Rights Rise in Indian-administered Kashmir: Report

The non-governmental human rights organization Legal Forum for Kashmir (LFK) has announced its vision for 2024. First half-year review report It highlighted an increase in “serious violations” of human rights in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir in the first six months of this year.

The report was released on July 2 in which, considering the plight of the Kashmiri people, it has called for immediate international intervention on the issue.

The review report documents widespread human rights violations by Indian authorities and forces through the first half of 2024.

According to the report, a consistent trend of human rights violations was observed in Indian-administered Kashmir from January to June this year. According to local media reports, 202 operations were carried out by the siege, which is only a small part of the operations that took place there.

The report said that 72 people, including 19 civilians, 23 freedom fighters and 30 Indian soldiers, were killed in six months of violence in ‘occupied Kashmir’ by military operations against local people.

Investigations by the Legal Forum for Kashmir have also highlighted numerous cases of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and the use of notorious anti-terrorism laws to suppress dissent and silence human rights activists.

The report also mentions systematic torture and inhumane treatment of civilians aimed at instilling fear and suppressing any form of resistance.

The report shows how militancy has exacerbated the humanitarian tragedy in the ongoing conflict in the region, where Indian forces have not only stepped up their military operations but also seen an increase in the seizure of civilian property and demolition of homes. As a result, the local population is facing significant displacement and suffering.

The report also mentioned the targeting and intimidation of human rights activists, lawyers and journalists.

According to the report, misuse of anti-terrorism laws by Indian authorities has ‘criminalised’ the activities of civil society organisations, socio-religious groups and independent media, effectively curtailing freedom of expression and assembly. Being suppressed by

LFK’s report includes information from reliable sources including on-the-ground research and data, including government records, media reports, and data provided by NGOs.

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The findings of the semi-annual report provide a solid basis and the organization calls on the international community to hold accountable not only the direct perpetrators but also those who order these human rights violations, the report said. or provoke.

There has been no response from India regarding this report.

Analyst Qamar Cheema told Independent Urdu that the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir is constantly being discussed not only by Kashmiris but all over the world. “Pakistan is also saying that freedom of expression and religious freedom is ending there (in Indian-administered Kashmir).

Even the elections that have been held there were not according to the standards set at the global level. There are restrictions on the organization of lawyers.’

Qamar Cheema said that many violations of human rights are happening in Indian-administered Kashmir, but the important thing is whether the international community will take action on it or not and Kashmiris will continue to speak for themselves.

Pakistan has also been condemning the ‘restrictions on fundamental human rights and freedoms and peaceful assembly’ in Indian-administered Kashmir.

On August 5, 2019, India revoked the special status, or autonomy, granted under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution to its administered state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Apart from Pakistan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has also been demanding the Indian government to withdraw the measures taken in 2019 from Jammu and Kashmir under its administration.

After the abrogation of Article 370, Pakistan also announced suspension of trade while reducing diplomatic relations with India.