The situation in Indian-administered Kashmir continues to deteriorate, marked by a series of troubling developments that have drawn widespread international concern. This second part of the series delves deeper into the multifaceted nature of settler colonialism in the region, highlighting the systematic measures employed by Indian authorities to suppress dissent and control the narrative surrounding Kashmir. These tactics include communication blackouts, legal immunities granted to security forces, and a persistent denial of human rights abuses by the government.
One of the most pervasive strategies used to stifle information flow is the imposition of communication blackouts. Indian authorities have frequently shut down internet services and restricted media access, effectively isolating Kashmir from the outside world during critical periods. Journalists, human rights defenders, and activists operate under constant threat of harassment, arbitrary arrests, and accusations of terrorism simply for exposing violations. This climate of fear fosters widespread self-censorship, severely limiting the ability of independent voices to report on the ground realities.
Adding to the complexity is the legal framework that shields Indian security forces from accountability. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) provide sweeping immunities to personnel operating in Kashmir, allowing them to act with near impunity. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized these laws, with Amnesty International describing the PSA as a ‘lawless law’ due to its potential for misuse. This lack of oversight has emboldened security forces, contributing to an environment where abuses such as enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings have become alarmingly common.
Despite mounting evidence from numerous human rights groups and United Nations reports documenting these abuses, the Indian government continues to dismiss such claims as internal security matters, thereby limiting external scrutiny. This official denial complicates efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and obstructs meaningful dialogue on resolving the conflict. Furthermore, geopolitical and economic considerations play a significant role in the muted international response. Many countries, particularly Western powers, prioritize their strategic alliances with India, especially in the context of countering China’s regional influence, over addressing human rights concerns in Kashmir.
International calls for independent investigations and unrestricted access for UN Special Rapporteurs, journalists, and human rights organizations have largely been ignored by Indian authorities. This refusal to cooperate has hindered transparency and accountability, allowing the situation to worsen unchecked. Concurrently, the Indian government has engaged in information control and propaganda campaigns aimed at shaping global perceptions and countering narratives put forth by Kashmiri activists and human rights advocates.
Nevertheless, organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and various UN bodies have meticulously documented grave violations, including sexual violence, custodial torture, and the targeting of civilians. Following the tragic attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 mostly civilian tourists lost their lives in what has been described as a false flag operation, Indian military operations intensified across Kashmir. UN experts condemned the act of terrorism but emphasized that counter-terrorism measures must adhere to international human rights standards. Subsequent military crackdowns led to the arrest and detention of approximately 2,700 to 2,800 individuals, encompassing students, journalists, and human rights defenders across multiple districts.
Many of those detained were held under stringent laws such as the PSA and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which permit prolonged detention without formal charges or timely trials. This practice has drawn sharp criticism from rights experts who argue that such laws are being weaponized to suppress legitimate dissent. The first part of this series had already highlighted patterns of arbitrary arrests, demolitions of homes, forced evictions, and suppression of free speech and assembly. These actions have collectively contributed to a humanitarian crisis marked by displacement, loss of livelihood, and widespread fear among the Kashmiri population.
Reports of torture, custodial deaths, and abuses against women have further intensified concerns about the treatment of detainees and the erosion of due process. The crackdown on media and civil society has also escalated, with numerous journalists and activists facing arrests, raids, and intimidation. Legal experts and human rights organizations continue to stress the importance of upholding fundamental rights, non-discrimination, and protection against arbitrary detention and torture, even in the context of security challenges.
Several UN human rights experts have publicly condemned the ongoing violations, urging adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws. Notable figures such as Ben Saul, Morris Tidball-Binz, Nazila Ghanea, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, and Nicolas Levrat have all voiced their alarm and called for independent investigations and accountability. Despite these appeals, the Indian government’s policies appear to be intensifying, with efforts to alter the demographic and cultural landscape of Kashmir by promoting Hindu settlement and marginalizing the indigenous population.
International responses have largely been limited to statements and resolutions, which have so far failed to produce tangible consequences for the Indian government’s actions. Some analysts argue that economic sanctions from key trading partners like the United States and Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar could exert meaningful pressure, given their significant role in driving India’s economic growth. However, Pakistan’s role in advocating for Kashmir on the global stage has been criticized as insufficient, with the country often resorting to symbolic gestures rather than sustained diplomatic efforts.
Recent border skirmishes between India and Pakistan have further heightened tensions, prompting intervention by then-US President Donald J. Trump to de-escalate the situation. His warning underscored the catastrophic potential of a conflict between two nuclear-armed neighbors, which could have devastating consequences for millions worldwide. Independent studies estimate that a nuclear exchange between India and Pakistan could affect over two million people globally, underscoring the urgent need for peaceful resolution and restraint.
In conclusion, the crisis in Indian-administered Kashmir remains a deeply complex and volatile issue, with severe human rights violations unfolding amid geopolitical rivalries and strategic interests. The persistent denial of abuses, coupled with restrictive laws and military operations, continues to fuel instability and suffering in the region. Without robust international engagement and accountability measures, the prospects for peace and justice in Kashmir remain bleak, leaving its people trapped in a cycle of violence and repression.
