Original Source: www.fidh.org
Khurram Parvez, a determined champion for human rights in Kashmir, has faced severe repercussions for his activism. As Coordinator of the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society and Deputy Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights, he tirelessly fights for justice, earning accolades like the Martin Ennals Award. Yet, his work has tragically placed him in the crosshairs of Indian authorities eager to silence dissent.
In 2016, just before a key UN Human Rights Council session, Khurram was unjustly detained under an oppressive law, leading to a 76-day imprisonment. The Jammu and Kashmir High Court later deemed this detention unlawful, highlighting the arbitrary nature of such actions. The following years saw further harassment, including a national investigation raid after expressions of the grave human rights situation in the region.
His struggles intensified when, on November 22, 2021, the National Investigation Agency arrested him on dubious charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Currently imprisoned in Rohini Jail, Khurram is denied bail and burdened with additional charges linked to previous reports. Sadly, his colleagues from JKCCS face similar threats, reflecting a broader repression against those advocating for human rights in Kashmir.
As we observe the third anniversary of his unjust detention, it reminds us of the harsh realities since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. This significant change not only curtailed Jammu and Kashmir’s special status but also unleashed rampant human rights violations and deepened repression against brave defenders like Khurram. The atmosphere has soured, instilling fear in those who dare to speak out.
We stand united in our support for Khurram and all human rights advocates in Kashmir. It is imperative that we call for his immediate release and an end to the continual retaliatory measures against him and JKCCS. The Indian government must reaffirm its commitment to international human rights standards and cease targeting those who valiantly champion human rights.
The plight of Khurram Parvez reflects a broader narrative of the systemic repression faced by human rights defenders in Kashmir. With his notable roles in various human rights organizations, he confronts the harsh realities of authoritarian responses to activism. His unjust detentions symbolize a critical point in Kashmir’s turbulent struggle for human rights, particularly following the controversial constitutional changes in 2019 that stripped away regional autonomy. Understanding Khurram’s situation sheds light on the ongoing campaign against dissent in the region and highlights the dire need for international attention and support.
Khurram Parvez stands as a stark testament to the ongoing struggle for human rights in Kashmir, facing continuous threats and arbitrary detention. As he marks three years of incarceration, the situation underscores the heightened state repression since the abrogation of Article 370. For justice to prevail, it is crucial that the international community rallies for his release and the safeguarding of human rights defenders in Kashmir, demanding an end to the punitive measures against them.
