In a significant development, a prominent human rights activist from Kashmir and a respected journalist have been released on bail. They faced charges of funding terrorism in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. Khurram Parvez, a human rights advocate, along with independent journalist Irfan Mehraj, were detained in 2021 and 2023 respectively under India’s anti-terror laws.
Their release from a New Delhi prison occurred late on Wednesday, yet both remain under stringent restrictions imposed by the court. The country’s federal anti-terrorism agency is appealing to reverse the decision.
Clampdown on Activists and Journalists
The Indian government has heightened its crackdown on human rights activists, journalists, and dissidents in Kashmir using strict anti-terrorism laws. This intensified particularly after August 2019, when India revoked the special status of the region. A lower court in India allowed both individuals to be released on bail last week. However, the National Investigation Agency of India challenged this decision.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court refused to nullify the release order. Instead, it imposed harsher restrictions on their movements and activities while examining the agency’s appeal. International human rights organizations, including a United Nations body, have consistently sought their release, arguing their imprisonment was linked to their professional activities.
Accusations and Legal Proceedings
Parvez has long been associated with the well-known rights group Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) where Mehraj contributed as a researcher. The National Investigation Agency claims that both men used the group to fund militant-linked activities and promote a separatist agenda. They deny the allegations.
JKCCS has published reports highlighting what it calls the endemic use of torture by some of the hundreds of thousands of Indian soldiers stationed in Kashmir. These publications have emphasized the broad powers granted to these troops, leading to a culture of impunity and widespread human rights abuses.
International Response
Following their release, the France-based International Federation for Human Rights and the World Organisation Against Torture issued a joint statement. They claimed the men were detained on “fabricated charges.” These organizations urged Indian authorities to drop all charges against them, terming the proceedings as politically motivated to undermine their legitimate work and JKCCS.
The legal proceedings against both individuals will continue in the coming weeks.
Regional Conflict
The Kashmir region, long-disputed, has endured decades of conflict, with both India and Pakistan claiming the entire Himalayan territory. Militants in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir have opposed New Delhi’s rule since 1989, with many Muslim Kashmiris supporting their aim of either joining Pakistan or establishing an independent nation.
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