UN human rights experts have urged Indian government to end the crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and peaceful protests in occupied Kashmir. 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. They said shutdown of the internet and telecommunication networks, without justification from the government, are inconsistent with the fundamental norms of necessity and proportionality.

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 peaceful assembly, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.

The experts reminded the Indian authorities that the restrictions are intrinsically disproportionate, because they preclude considerations of the specific circumstances of each proposed assembly. They expressed deep concern by reports that security forces are conducting night raids on private homes leading to the arrests of young people, as such detentions could constitute serious human rights violations.

They also expressed grave concern about the fact that the whereabouts of some of those detained is not known.

The UN experts included Special Rapporteur on promotion and protection of right to freedom of opinion and expression David Kaye (USA), Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders Michel Forst (France), Chair-Rapporteur, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Bernard Duhaime, Special Rapporteur on the right to peaceful assembly and association, Clement Nyaletsossi Voule and Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamard. Haider/Abid