Amnesty International’s chief vowed that the rights group would not be silenced on raising concerns about Kashmir despite what he called intimidation by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
The rights body on Monday called on the Indian government to immediately release detained people in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming detention and house arrest of nearly 4,000 people, including supporters of political parties, separatist leaders, lawyers, journalists, without providing a legal basis.
“There have been serious allegations of torture and beatings. Many detainees have not been allowed to contact their families or lawyers,” the statement read.
“Indian authorities should immediately release detained Kashmiris who have not been charged with a recognizable offense,” Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement.
On the other hand, India’s financial crime investigators recently accused Amnesty’s local branch of violating foreign exchange regulations through taking money from its London-based parent.
That claim came after Amnesty vocally criticised Modi’s government on the situation in occupied Kashmir.
Amnesty has faced heated criticism from India’s right wing for its stance on Kashmir, where authorities have largely shut down the internet, mobile service and initially also landlines.
