A new report has raised serious concerns about the shrinking space for civil rights and freedom of expression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). According to Beyond Time News, Amnesty International has highlighted a pattern of arrests, demolitions, media pressure, and legal action against civilians and journalists.
Crackdown on Civilians and Journalists
In its annual human rights report 2025/26, Amnesty International pointed to rising use of strict laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The report says authorities used these laws after the Pahalgam incident in April 2025 to detain journalists, students, and academics who questioned official actions or demanded accountability.
Many of those targeted had raised concerns about what they described as a security failure.
Book Bans and Restrictions on Expression
The report also highlighted a major crackdown on published work. In August last year, authorities banned 25 books written by journalists, historians, feminists, and peace researchers. Officials accused the books of promoting violence and “glorifying terrorism.”
Critics, however, view the move as an effort to restrict independent thought and control public narratives.
Pressure on Media Houses
Amnesty International further reported increased pressure on media organizations. In November, the State Investigation Agency searched the office of Kashmir Times after a major incident in Delhi. The newspaper faced allegations related to national security concerns.
The report also noted that authorities did not provide a formal complaint to the editor. Earlier, one of the editor’s books had already been banned, adding to concerns about press freedom.
Read more: APHC Warns of Threat to Kashmiri Identity and Demographic Changes in IIOJK
Demolition Drives Raise Concerns
Another key issue highlighted in the report is the demolition of civilian properties. Amnesty described these actions as “collective punishment,” often carried out without prior notice.
In one case, authorities demolished a family home in Pulwama linked to a suspect in a high-profile investigation. The family members were inside but managed to evacuate just before the demolition.
In another incident, the Jammu Development Authority demolished the house of a journalist after he reported on alleged illegal activities involving a police officer.
International Concerns Over Civic Space
The report also referred to concerns raised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding shrinking civic space in the region. These concerns were not accepted by the Indian government, according to the findings.
Growing Debate on Rights and Freedom
Amnesty International’s findings add to ongoing global debate about human rights conditions in the region. The report highlights worries over freedom of expression, media independence, and the treatment of civilians under security laws.
