HRW paints India’s grim record of Human Rights in 2024
Islamabad: A report by Human Rights Watch based on some important events regarding rights violations in India and occupied Jammu and Kashmir has revealed alarming trends of violence, systemic discrimination, and suppression under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
Here is a summary of the events:
Escalating Ethnic and Regional Violence
The northeast state of Manipur has witnessed severe ethnic violence since May 2023, resulting in over 200 deaths and the displacement of more than 60,000 people. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir, already reeling under heavy militarization, reported 40 violent incidents between May and September 2024. These attacks led to the deaths of 18 civilians, 20 security personnel, and 39 suspected militants.
In Jammu, considered relatively peaceful, a sudden surge in violence between May and July claimed the lives of 15 soldiers and nine civilians. The Indian government’s claims of restoring peace in Kashmir were contradicted by local voters during September’s regional elections, held for the first time since the 2019 revocation of the region’s autonomy.
Targeted Violence Against Minorities
India saw a disturbing rise in religious and caste-based violence in 2024.
Muslims:
A 26-year-old Muslim migrant worker lynched in Haryana over beef allegations.
A 72-year-old Muslim man beaten on a train in Maharashtra under similar accusations.
BJP-led state governments used “bulldozer justice” to demolish Muslim homes and properties, often without legal due process.
Dalits:
In Uttar Pradesh, a 15-year-old Dalit boy was forced to drink urine, while a 20-year-old Dalit nurse was raped by a doctor.
In Madhya Pradesh, police officials were accused of physically assaulting Dalit individuals, reflecting the continued plight of marginalized communities.
Security Forces and Impunity
The report highlights persistent allegations of abuse by security forces:
121 deaths in police custody.
1,558 deaths in judicial custody.
93 extrajudicial killings in the first nine months of 2024.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), in effect in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern states of India, continues to provide immunity to security personnel, shielding them from prosecution even for severe abuses.
Civil Society and Press Freedom Under Siege
India maintained its record of the highest number of internet shutdowns globally, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
Authorities targeted NGOs such as the Centre for Policy Research and World Vision India using the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
Kashmiri journalist Aasif Sultan was rearrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) after spending over five years in detention.
Websites critical of the government, including Hindutva Watch, were blocked. Foreign journalists faced visa denials, with three leaving India after work permits were not renewed.
Women’s and Disability Rights Violations
The rape and murder of a doctor in Kolkata in August spotlighted the persistent risks women face in workplaces. Despite protective laws, enforcement remains weak.
In Delhi, 14 residents of a government-run shelter for disabled individuals died in just 20 days, raising serious concerns over living conditions and care standards.
Refugees and Citizenship Policies
Rohingya refugees continued to face arbitrary detentions and harsh restrictions, while the government issued its first citizenship certificates under the discriminatory Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), further marginalizing minorities.
International Reactions and Concerns
India faced global criticism, with the European Parliament adopting a resolution condemning the government’s divisive policies against minorities. Meanwhile, foreign governments, including Canada, accused Indian intelligence agencies of extrajudicial operations abroad.
The report paints a bleak picture of India’s human rights record in 2024, with analysts warning of the growing erosion of democratic values and urging international intervention. KMS-1