Amnesty International has blamed security forces in Kashmir of “using arbitrary or excessive force against demonstrators on several occasions” during the 2016 summer protests.
In its fresh report, Amnesty said: “In August, Shabir Ahmad Monga, a lecturer, was beaten to death by army soldiers. The security forces used arbitrary or excessive force against demonstrators on several occasions.”
It pointed out that the killing of “a leader” of the Hizbul Mujahideen armed group in July sparked widespread protests.
Pellet-firing shotguns
“More than 80 people, mostly protesters, were killed in clashes and thousands injured.
“At least 14 people were killed and hundreds blinded by security forces’ use of pellet-firing shotguns, which are inherently inaccurate and indiscriminate,” it said.
It further stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government also imposed curfew, which lasted over two months.
“Private landline, mobile and internet service providers suspended their services for weeks on orders from state authorities.
“The communications shutdown undermined a range of human rights. Residents reported being unable to reach medical assistance in cases of emergencies,” it added.
Curb on papers
The Amnesty report underlined that in July the state government prevented the publication of local newspapers in Kashmir for three days.
In October, the government ordered a Srinagar-based newspaper to cease printing and publication on vague grounds.
Administrative custody
It alleged hundreds of people, including children, were placed in administrative detention.
“In September, Khurram Parvez, a Kashmiri human rights defender, was arrested and detained for over two months on spurious grounds, a day after he was prevented from travelling to a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva, Switzerland,” it said.
It also pointed out the fact that “dozens of schools were set on fire by unidentified people”.
