Kashmir Human Rights Monitor 2025
Independent documentation of human rights violations in the disputed Kashmir region since 1989. Updated daily with verified reports from both sides of the Line of Control.
Kashmir Conflict Tracker
Comprehensive documentation of human rights violations, military actions, and political developments in the disputed region. Data is collected from verified sources on both sides of the Line of Control.
Real-time Human Rights Violations Dashboard
Civilian Casualties (2025)
Enforced Disappearances
Journalists Detained
Internet Shutdowns
Arbitrary Detentions & Draconian Laws
Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) Misuse
Used extensively to detain human rights defenders without trial. Khurram Parvez, JKCCS coordinator, remains detained since November 2021 on terrorism charges for documenting disappearances. UAPA allows 180-day detention without charge and makes bail nearly impossible.
Public Safety Act (PSA) Detentions
Allows 2-year detention without charge. Over 4,000 Kashmiris detained under PSA since August 2019, including journalists and politicians. Recent cases include detention of journalist Fahad Shah for "anti-national reporting" and 23-year-old student Aqib Ahmad for social media posts.
Killings & Enforced Disappearances
Suspicious Deaths in Custody
February-March 2025 saw multiple bodies of disappeared youth found in Kulgam canals. Families reject official drowning claims, citing torture marks. Similar cases reported in Kathua with 5 disappearances in March. Forensic reports obtained by independent monitors show evidence of blunt force trauma in 3 cases.
Historical Pattern of Disappearances
8,000-10,000 enforced disappearances since 1989 per APDP. Mass graves with unidentified bodies found across Kashmir Valley. Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants immunity to security forces. Recent forensic analysis of 940 unidentified bodies in Baramulla district suggests 73% showed signs of torture.
Freedom of Expression Crackdowns
Internet Shutdowns & Digital Rights
J&K experienced world's longest shutdown (552 days in 2019-21). Recent shutdowns in Bhaderwah (April 4) and Kathua (Feb 5) over "rumor control". New "Firewall for Kashmir" initiative blocks 124 websites including international media. 4G restored in 2021 but throttled during protests.
Journalist Harassment & Censorship
2023-25 saw raids on media houses, confiscation of equipment, and PSA detentions of journalists critical of policies. Kashmir Times office sealed in 2022. New media policy requires "positive reporting". At least 35 journalists face charges under UAPA/PSA since 2019.
Enforced Disappearances
Blasphemy Cases
CPEC Displacements
Press Freedom Index
Suppression of Political Dissent
Anti-Terror Laws Against Activists
Pakistan's Anti-Terrorism Act used to detain activists advocating for self-determination. 2024 UNKPNP report documents 150+ cases in Gilgit-Baltistan. Recent cases include 6 activists from Skardu detained for organizing a protest against land seizures. Military courts have convicted 38 political activists since 2022.
Enforced Disappearances Pattern
Military intelligence agencies abduct activists, with 3,485 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 2,752 in Balochistan since 2011 per COIED (actual numbers likely higher). In AJK, 23 cases documented in 2024 alone. Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances has only resolved 15% of cases since 2014.
Religious Persecution
Ahmadiyya Community Targeting
Constitutional ban on Ahmadi Muslims identifying as Muslim. Frequent blasphemy charges and mob violence. 2024 saw 17 Ahmadiyya places of worship vandalized. Section 298-C carries 3-year prison sentence for Ahmadis using Islamic terminology. 87 blasphemy cases filed against minorities in 2024.
Shia Community Attacks
Gilgit-Baltistan sees regular sectarian violence. Security forces often complicit or passive. 2024 Kohistan bus attack killed 9 Shia passengers. Data shows 143 sectarian attacks in GB since 2020. Shia make up 60% of GB population but hold only 20% of government positions.
Key Events Timeline
Major developments in the Kashmir conflict since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019
Article 370 Revocation
Indian government revokes Jammu and Kashmir's special status, splits state into two union territories, imposes communication blackout.
Internet Shutdown Begins
World's longest internet shutdown in a democracy begins, lasting 552 days until February 2021.
Domicile Rules Changed
New domicile law allows non-Kashmiris to obtain permanent residency and government jobs, altering demographic balance.
Delimitation Commission
Controversial redrawing of electoral constituencies favors Hindu-majority Jammu over Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley.
Land Laws Amended
Changes allow outsiders to buy land in Kashmir, reversing decades-old protections against demographic change.
Pahalgam Tourist Attack
Deadliest attack on civilians in years kills 26 tourists, including 14 foreigners. Kashmir Resistance Front claims responsibility citing demographic changes.