IOK Issues
Article 370 Revoked: What Changed for Kashmiris on August 5, 2019
On August 5, 2019, India revoked Article 370 and sealed off Kashmir from the world. We document what…
Post-2019 Reality
Kashmir Under Siege
On August 5, 2019, the Government of India revoked Article 370, stripping Jammu & Kashmir of its special autonomous status — the constitutional arrangement that had existed since 1949. The move was made without consulting the Kashmiri people, under cover of a total communications blackout and mass detentions of political leaders, including three former chief ministers.
J&K was downgraded from a full state to two Union Territories under direct central government control. Non-Kashmiris can now purchase land and obtain domicile status. The separate state constitution was abrogated. Overnight, the region lost a constitutional identity protected for seven decades.
"What happened on August 5, 2019 was not democracy. A democracy consults its people before rewriting their constitutional status."
Since then, the situation has worsened. Journalists face arrest under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Kashmir holds the world record for the longest internet shutdown in a democracy — 552 consecutive days. Thousands have been detained without trial. Pellet guns continue to be used against civilian protesters, causing blindness and death. Enforced disappearances — documented since 1989 — continue with no accountability.
The international community has raised its voice. The UN Human Rights Office, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have all published detailed reports documenting violations. India has refused access to independent investigators and denied the findings.
📡 Internet Shutdowns
World's longest democracy-era internet shutdown — 552 days. Students, businesses, hospitals all cut off.
👁️ Pellet Guns
Hundreds permanently blinded. Used against civilians including children. Condemned globally.
🔍 Disappearances
8,000+ enforced disappearances since 1989. Over 2,700 unmarked mass graves confirmed.
🗞️ Press Freedom
Journalists arrested under UAPA. International media access denied. Self-censorship widespread.
🏠 Demographic Change
New domicile laws allow outsiders to buy land and settle — altering the Muslim-majority character.
⚖️ AFSPA Immunity
Armed Forces Special Powers Act grants security forces immunity. Perpetuates impunity for violations.
Key Human Rights Issues in IOK
- Article 370 revoked August 2019 — no Kashmiri consent sought
- World record: 552-day internet shutdown in a democracy
- Thousands detained without trial under the Public Safety Act
- Pellet guns used against protesters — causing blindness and deaths
- 8,000+ enforced disappearances documented since 1989
- Over 2,700 unmarked mass graves confirmed in Kashmir valley
- New domicile laws allowing demographic transformation of the region
- Independent journalists denied access or arrested under UAPA
- Amnesty India forced to shut operations after bank accounts frozen
- UN High Commissioner denied access to Kashmir for investigation
International Response
The UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the European Parliament have all raised serious concerns about the human rights situation in IOK. India has rejected all findings. The international community must increase pressure for accountability and access.