This joint statement by Amnesty International, International Federation for Human Rights, International Commission of Jurists, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development and Civicus calls upon the Government of India to treat its Kashmiri prisoners humanely, and to release those that were arbitrarily detained, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Topics: COVID-19 pandemic, humane treatment of inmates, arbitrary detention, discrimination against Kashmiris in India

Terms: COVID-19 pandemic, humane treatment of inmates, arbitrary detention, discrimination of Kashmiris in India, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Public Security Act (PSA), violation of international human rights law, arbitrary detention of Miyan Abdul Qayoom, arbitrary detention of Ghulam Mohammed Bhat, harassment of human rights defenders, suppression of right to information, internet blockade

This is a statement by Amnesty International that demands that the government of India immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, restore full internet access and actively pursue trust building measures with the people of the Kashmir region. Since 5 August, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a substantial rise in the number of cases of arbitrary detentions and the arrest of minors. Data accessed by Amnesty International India from 37 Tehsils (sub-districts) and 12 jails across Jammu & Kashmir show that at least 1,249 people were administratively detained, i.e. without any charge or trial by authorities. Consequences were felt disproportionately by people from Kashmir region who constituted over 90% of the total population sent to jails. Amnesty International India also found cases of at least 34 children who were lodged in jails under different laws. Furthermore, at least 251 prisoners were shifted out of Jammu & Kashmir of which at least 23 suffered from health ailments.

Topics: covid-19 measures, information blockades, communal politics, rise in arbitrary detentions
Terms: arbitrary detention, detention without charge, detention on verbal orders, detention of minors, lack of transpoarency, denial of access to justice, public health as a pretext, Section 107 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, Public Safety Act (PSA), information blockade, lockdowns, internet blockade, denial of the right to freedom of speech, denial of the right to fair trial, violation of right of habeas corpus

This report covers the impacts of the internet shutdown imposed by the Indian Government in Kashmir beginning in August 2019.

Topics: detentions, communications, Internet restrictions, businesses, economy, education, policymaking

Terms: Section 107 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Public Safety Act (PSA), habeas corpus, J&K High Court, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Article 19, Unlawful Activities Prevention ACT (UAPA), Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Kashmir University

This report descibes the situation in the Kashmir Valley after August 2019 from the perspective of common Kashmiris.

Topics: education, health, media, Internet and communications shutdown, detentions, militarization

Terms: silenced, powerlessness, Public Safety Act (PSA), access to roads, access to communications, fear, harassment, intimidation, dissent, arbitrary detention, Re-Organisation Act, demographic fear, intimidation of clerics, economic subjugation, habeas corpus, Mian Abdul Qayyum, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Nazir Ahmed Ronga, surveillance, censorship, women's rights, Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), right to health, lack of access to healthcare, mental health, pellet Injuries

This is a communication from the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention and four UN Special Rapporteurs (on extrajudicial or arbitrary executions, health, human rights defenders and torture) to the Government of India expressing grave concern regarding the arbitrary detention, and deteriorating health while in detention, of Mr. Miyan Abdul Qayoom, a human rights lawyer and President of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association.

Topics: extrajudicial executions, arbitrary detention, health, human rights defenders, custodial torture, custodial killings, denial of medical care

Terms: Miyan Abdul Qayoom, Mian Abdul Qayoom, Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, mass crackdowns, Public Safety Act (PSA), abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, secessionism, violation of habeas corpus