AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INDIA

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL INDIA

Government Must Refrain From Abuse Of Power And Immediately Release All Arbitrarily Detained In J&K

India Covid 19 Response: Government Must Refrain From Abuse Of Power And Immediately Release All Arbitrarily Detained In J&K

As Jammu and Kashmir enters the next phase of lockdown this time due to COVID-19, the Government of India must immediately release all those arbitrarily detained, restore full internet access and actively pursue trust building measures with the people of the region, said Amnesty International India today.

After interviewing over a dozen detainees, journalists, lawyers and businesspersons and obtaining information through 255 Right to Information applications and communications to government departments in Jammu & Kashmir, the organisation has documented the use of administrative detention on adults and minors often through verbal orders, prolonged communication blockade and absolute lack of transparency in the region.

“A public health emergency is not an opportunity to bypass accountability. Continuing use of unlawful and arbitrary detention along with limited internet connectivity and medical facilities only add to the panic, fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19. The people of Jammu & Kashmir are entitled to live with dignity and be informed of the threats that COVID-19 pose to their health. Measures must be taken to protect people’s human rights in the region of Jammu & Kashmir and not further weaken them,” said Avinash Kumar, Executive Director of Amnesty International India.

On 5 August 2019, amidst a complete clampdown on civil liberties and communications blackout, the Government of India unilaterally abrogated Article 370 of the Indian Constitution that provided special autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir.