GENEVA (22 August 2019) – UN human rights experts* today called on the Government of India to end the crackdown on
freedom of expression, access to information and peaceful protests imposed in Indian-Administered Kashmir this month.
The experts expressed concern that the measures, imposed after the Indian Parliament revoked the
Constitutionally-mandated status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, would exacerbate tensions in the region.
Reports have described a near total communications blackout in Jammu and Kashmir since the evening of 4 August, with
internet access, mobile phone networks, and cable and Kashmiri television channels cut off.
“The shutdown of the internet and telecommunication networks, without justification from the Government, are
inconsistent with the fundamental norms of necessity and proportionality,” said the experts. “The blackout is a form of
collective punishment of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, without even a pretext of a precipitating offence.”
The Government has also imposed a curfew across Jammu and Kashmir, bringing in massive numbers of troops to enforce
restrictions on the freedom of movement and of peaceful assembly, particularly in the Kashmir Valley. “We remind the
Indian authorities that the restrictions imposed by the Indian Government are intrinsically disproportionate, because
they preclude considerations of the specific circumstances of each proposed assembly,” said the experts.
At the same time, information received suggests that there has been an increase in the arrest of political figures,
journalists, human rights defenders, protesters and others.
The experts said they were deeply concerned by reports that security forces were conducting night raids on private homes
leading to the arrests of young people. “Such detentions could constitute serious human rights violations,” the experts
said. “The allegations must be thoroughly investigated by the authorities, and, if confirmed, those responsible must be
held accountable.
“We are gravely concerned about allegations that the whereabouts of some of those detained is not known as well as the
general heightened risk of enforced disappearances, which may proliferate against the backdrop of mass arrests and
restricted access to the internet and other communications networks,” added the experts.
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. “India has the responsibility to use the minimum
force necessary when policing protests,” the experts said. ”This means that the use of deadly force is a measure
permissible only as last resort and to protect life.”