The report by Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir calls for release of all political prisoners
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — A year-and-a-half after the Centre removed Jammu and Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status by revoking Article 370, cases of human rights violations continue to persists as counter-insurgency measures have taken priority over everything else, according to a recent report.
The report, published by the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir which is co-chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur and former J&K interlocutor Radha Kumar, says that counter-insurgency measures of the administration have led to vitiation of protections such as habeas corpus, prevention of illegal detention and strict restrictions on arrest and detention of children.
It added that despite intensified counter-insurgency operations the rates of militant recruitment have continued to rise and 2020 saw a second highest recruitment in the decade.
The report notes that the access to means of justice are limited and that denials of right to bail and speedy trial continues, coupled with misuse of draconian legislations such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). All this has stifled dissent.
The report strongly calls for the release of all political prisoners and repeal of or amendment to the Public Safety Act and any other preventive detention legislation, “to bring them in line with our constitutional ethos”.
The changes in the land laws have led to further erosion of political rights of Kashmiris, the report said.
Taking note of the repeal of the Roshni Act, the report criticizes the “lumping of lawful owners with land-expropriators. Local and regional industries continue to suffer large losses in every sector. The tourism industry continues to languish and the iconic houseboat industry is on the verge of collapse.”
The report slams the ‘new media policy’ which led to disempowerment of about 20 media outlets.
Taking note of the rising curbs on media in Kashmir, the Forum has demanded “initiation of criminal and civil actions against personnel of police, Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces found guilty of violation of human rights, especially with regard to recent instances of attacks on journalists”.
