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New Delhi: A prominent rights organization has criticized the Indian government for its policies in the occupied region of Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on the transfer of administrative powers to the Lieutenant-Governor and the challenges this poses to the elected government’s authority.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir released a detailed report in New Delhi that highlights issues such as the arrest of students, journalists, and businessmen under strict laws, and the high rates of unemployment and violence in the region. The report also expressed concerns about the central government’s decision to empower the Lieutenant-Governor with significant administrative controls, potentially undermining the elected setup’s governance capabilities.
The Forum noted a troubling trend of preemptive measures to curb the elected administration’s powers ahead of the upcoming legislative assembly elections. Specifically, the new administrative rules enacted on July 12, 2024, grant the Lieutenant-Governor substantial authority over key areas including the police and bureaucratic operations, which could lead to conflicts similar to those experienced in Delhi between elected officials and appointed authorities.
The report further questioned the intentions behind the new governance framework, suggesting it might lead to a semi-autonomous model rather than full statehood, casting uncertainty over the future political landscape of the region. The analysis revealed that over 2,700 individuals have been detained under stringent security statutes between 2020 and December 2023, intensifying concerns over civil liberties in the area.
Additionally, the economic situation in Jammu and Kashmir was highlighted, with local industries and agriculture facing severe challenges due to the influx of imported goods and prevalent drug abuse issues among the youth.
The delay in setting a date for the Legislative Assembly elections was also criticized, as it fuels speculation about further postponements past the Supreme Court’s mandated deadline of September 30, 2024.
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