United Nation human rights experts have called on the Indian Government to call off repression imposed on freedom of expression, access to information and peaceful protests imposed upon Jammu and Kashmir this month.
Ishita Gupta
The United Nation experts on 22nd August 2019 have expressed their concern regarding the measures, imposed after the Indian Parliament revoked the Constitutionally mandated status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir saying it would amplify the tensions in the region.
Since the evening of 4 August 2019, nearly a total communications blackout have been imposed on Jammu and Kashmir with a restriction on internet access, mobile phone networks, cables and Kashmiri television channels have been completely cut off.
Experts have expressed concerns to the shutdown of the internet and telecommunication networks without any valid justification from the Government.
They said that the Indian government have been inconsistent with the fundamental norms of necessity and proportionality and a blackout is a form of collective punishment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, without even a pretext of an induced offense.
The Government has also imposed curfew across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing in massive numbers of troops to enforce restrictions.
Not only that, the received information suggests that there has been an increase in the arrest of political figures, journalists, human rights defenders, protesters and others.
UN authorities were gravely raised concerned about the heightened risk of enforced disappearances, which may escalate against the backdrop of mass arrests and restricted access to the internet and other communications networks.
The experts have showed their concerned over the reports that suggested that the security forces were conducting night raids on private homes leading to arrests of young people with the probability of serious human rights violations.
The allegations must be thoroughly investigated by the authorities, and, if confirmed, those responsible must be held accountable.
They also expressed serious concern about the use of excessive force against protesters, including the use of live ammunition, which could amount to violations of the right to life.
They have reminded India of holding the responsibility of using the minimum force necessary when policing protests which meant that the use of deadly force is a measure permissible only as last resort and to protect life.
