J&K, Muslims: Human rights violations in India 'downplayed' in Australian report

By A Representative
In a surprise move, Amnesty International, which shut down its India branch after a recent move by the Enforcement Directorate to freeze the organisation’s accounts charging it with “violation” of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) and alleging money laundering, has sharply criticised the Australian government for “dangerously” downplaying human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in a recent report.
In a statement issued by the top human rights organisation’s Australian arm, it said, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ 2020 Country Information Report on India, published earlier this month, “dangerously downplays serious human rights concerns”, insisting, “Of particular concern are ongoing human rights violations in J&K, including prolonged internet shutdowns, as well as discrimination against minorities.”
“The communication and internet shutdown, its impact on media and the consequent curbing of the freedom of the press is understated in DFAT’s report,” Amnesty International Australia impact manager Tim O’Connor, said in a statement, adding, “The shutdown had a complete silencing effect on regional media. Newspapers only reproduced government information or wire agency reports collected from the Media Facilitation Centre set up by the Government of India in Srinagar.”
Pointing out that the shutdown “also affected other rights such as the rights to health and education”, the statement said, “The internet provides a crucial link to information that helps keep families healthy and safe during this global health crisis. To ensure real-time preparedness of the people against the spread of the virus, full access to high speed internet is essential. However, the people of J&K have been deprived of telemedicine and online education during the pandemic.”
“Amnesty International does not agree with the Department’s finding in part 3.53 of the report that states that Muslims in India ‘face a low risk of official discrimination’. Law reform such as the re-organisation of J&K is state-sanctioned discrimination of Indian Muslims, in favour of the Hindu majority”, the statement said, adding, “The Citizenship (Amendment) Act weaponised the National Register of Citizens, and Foreigners Tribunals, against Muslims. Amnesty’s own research clearly shows that Muslims in India indeed face significant ‘official discrimination’.”
It continued, “The ongoing exclusion of Muslims by the Foreigners Tribunals risks the creation of the largest statelessness crisis in the world”, even as quoting O’Connor as stating, “I note that the report does comment on the broader trend of human rights organisations and other non-government organisations being targeted and restricted, and agree with its findings. As the report notes, Amnesty International India has been one such target.”

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

Vaccination vs screening: Policy questions raised on cervical cancer strategy

By A Representative A public policy expert has written to Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda raising a series of concerns regarding the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign launched on February 28 for 14-year-old girls.

The new anti-national certificate: If Arundhati Roy is the benchmark, count me in

By Dr. Mansee Bal Bhargava* Dear MANIT Alumni Network Committee, “Are you anti-national?” I encountered this fascinating—some may say intimidating—question from an elderly woman I barely know, an alumna of Maulana Azad College of Technology (MACT, now Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology - MANIT), Bhopal, and apparently one of the founders of the MACT (now MANIT) Alumni Network. The authority with which she posed the question was striking. “How much anti-national are you? What have you done for the Alumni Network Committee to identify you as anti-national?” When I asked what “anti-national” meant to her and who was busy certifying me as such, the response came in counter-questions.

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December

By Syed Ali Mujtaba* Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India. A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.

Development vs community: New coal politics and old conflicts in Madhya Pradesh

By Deepmala Patel* The Singrauli region of Madhya Pradesh, often described as “India’s energy capital,” has for decades been a hub of coal mining and thermal power generation. Today, the Dhirouli coal mine project in this district has triggered widespread protests among local communities. In recent years, the project has generated intense controversy, public opposition, and significant legal and social questions. This is not merely a dispute over one mine; it raises a larger question—who pays the price for energy development? Large corporate beneficiaries or the survival of local communities?

Buddhist shrines were 'massively destroyed' by Brahmanical rulers: Historian DN Jha

Nalanda mahavihara By Rajiv Shah Prominent historian DN Jha, an expert in India's ancient and medieval past, in his new book , "Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History", in a sharp critique of "Hindutva ideologues", who look at the ancient period of Indian history as "a golden age marked by social harmony, devoid of any religious violence", has said, "Demolition and desecration of rival religious establishments, and the appropriation of their idols, was not uncommon in India before the advent of Islam".

From neglect to progress: The story of Ranavara’s community-led development

By Bharat Dogra Visitors to Ranavara, a remote village in Kherwara block of Udaipur district, are often surprised by its multi-dimensional progress. The village today is known for its impressive school building, regenerated pastures, expanded tree cover, and extensive water conservation and supply works. These achievements are the outcome of sustained community efforts over several years, demonstrating how small, consistent initiatives can lead to significant change.

Search This Blog