Harassment and intimidation of journalists through draconian laws such as UAPA threatens the efforts to address the COVID-19 pandemic and creates an atmosphere of fear and reprisal. In Kashmir, this has been compounded through the general lockdown, prolonged restrictions on internet speed and arbitrary detentions often without any kind of documentation, access to lawyers and recourse to justice. This severely undermines the human rights guarantees of the people of Kashmir and denies the people in India and around the world’s right to know.”

Parts of the UAPA do not meet international human rights standards. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 was passed in the Parliament of India In July 2019. Beside other amendments, the Bill proposes that the central government may designate an individual as “terrorist” if such person 1) commits or participates in acts of terrorism, ii) prepares for terrorism, iii) promotes terrorism, or iv) is otherwise involved in terrorism.

On 5 August 2019, amidst a complete clampdown on civil liberties and communications blackout , the Government of India unilaterally abrogated Article370 of the Indian Constitution that provided special autonomy to Jammu & Kashmir. While restrictions on the freedom of movement were gradually relaxed, arbitrary detentions and restrictions on internet services continue to date. Amnesty International India has documented a clear pattern of authorities using arbitrary detention on activists, politicians and anyone likely to hold a dissenting opinion after 5 August 2019 in Jammu & Kashmir. At least a dozen journalists have been either harassed or physically attacked for their professional work.