Human Rights Watch Raises Concerns Over BJP Government’s Violations in India
In a significant move towards shedding light on human rights violations in India, the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has submitted a written testimony to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. The testimony, presented on September 27, 2023, discusses the alarming violations committed by the BJP-led government and its affiliates in India, as well as in the disputed region of Kashmir.
Highlighting specific incidents, HRW’s testimony outlines the government’s disregard for human decency and democratic freedom when it comes to Indian minorities and the people of Kashmir. The organization asserts that these actions and omissions by the Indian government not only violate international human rights law but also flout domestic legislation designed to protect religious and other minority populations.
Specifically addressing the BJP’s conduct, HRW points to a long-standing record of stigmatization and divisive rhetoric against religious minority communities, particularly Muslims. The organization argues that such inflammatory discourse has normalized violence against minorities since 2014, increasing tensions and perpetuating discrimination.
Turning its attention to the situation in Kashmir, HRW highlights the use of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act and terrorism allegations to conduct arbitrary detentions and raids on journalists, activists, and political leaders without sufficient evidence or meaningful judicial review. Additionally, the authorities have imposed travel bans on prominent Kashmiris without providing any reasons. HRW reports that since August 2019, at least 118 civilians have been killed by militants in the state, including minority Hindu and Sikh community members.
The testimony also brings attention to the case of Khurram Parvez, a respected Kashmiri human rights activist who was arrested in November 2021 on politically motivated charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. HRW emphasizes that Parvez is a human rights defender and calls for his immediate release, echoing the sentiments expressed by United Nations human rights experts.
HRW further supports the claims that freedom of the press in Kashmir is under immense threat. The Committee to Protect Journalists has warned that news media in the region is on the verge of extinction. HRW corroborates these reports, stating that journalists in Kashmir face harassment, arbitrary arrests on terrorism charges, and frequent internet shutdowns, making access to information and freedom of expression increasingly restricted.
The HRW testimony also underscores the lack of accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings and past abuses by security forces in India. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act grants members of the armed forces immunity from prosecution, perpetuating a culture of impunity. HRW, along with various rights groups, affected residents, activists, government-appointed committees, politicians, and UN human rights bodies, has called for the repeal of this controversial law.
In light of these grave concerns, HRW urges the United States government, including Members of Congress, to take action. They recommend calling on the Indian government to end politically motivated investigations and harassment of civil society groups, stop the targeting of civil society through online censorship and content takedowns, and publicly condemn the Indian government’s discriminatory policies and practices against religious minorities.
In conclusion, HRW’s testimony serves as a crucial step towards garnering international recognition for the extensive human rights abuses committed against Indian minorities and the people of Kashmir. By shedding light on these violations, HRW hopes to elicit global outrage and prompt the Biden Administration, along with the international community, to address these grave human rights concerns in India.
