Global report lays bare India’s deteriorating human rights record, hate crimes against minorities
Srinagar: A leading international magazine has exposed India’s worsening human rights situation, highlighting systemic discrimination against minorities and growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms across the country.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the report by Before Its News, titled “Shadows Over Rights and Freedoms in Contemporary India,” points to increasing global concern over the treatment of human rights defenders and religious minorities, an issue also raised at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The report states that human rights defenders, particularly those working on gender-based violence, are operating under immense pressure, facing harassment, intimidation and legal challenges while documenting abuses. It notes that grassroots activists are overwhelmed by the scale of violations, reflecting deep-rooted structural problems.
It further highlights that policies influenced by majoritarian ideology have disproportionately affected minority communities, including Muslims, Christians and Dalits. Citizenship-related measures, anti-conversion laws and restrictions on religious practices have been cited as examples contributing to marginalization.
The report also draws attention to inflammatory rhetoric by political leaders, warning that such statements risk normalizing hostility against minorities and deepening social divisions.
Serious concerns have been raised over violations of cultural and religious rights, particularly burial practices. According to the report, minority communities in several regions face obstacles in performing last rites, with some families forced to transport bodies over long distances or denied burial without coercive conditions.
In addition, reports of desecration and demolition of Muslim graveyards, including historically significant sites, have been highlighted as alarming developments undermining religious freedom and cultural heritage.
Analysts said the findings of the global report expose a pattern of institutional bias and social discrimination, contradicting India’s claims of upholding democratic values and minority rights.
They added that the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir reflects the broader trend, where suppression of dissent, restrictions on civil liberties and targeting of vulnerable groups continue unabated.
Observers urged the international community to take serious notice of these developments and press India to uphold its obligations under international human rights law.
