Sarah Smith

Sarah Smith

Labour — Hyndburn

Speaking in the House of Commons on 5 March 2025

Debate

Jammu and Kashmir: Human Rights

Contribution

I do agree—that is very important—and I will get to that shortly. Human Rights Watch has stated that the Indian Government have not fully restored freedom of speech and association since the revocation of article 370 of the constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. It said in its July 2024 report: “The Indian security forces continue to carry out repressive policies including arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and other serious abuses.” Many of these violations are enabled by legislation such as the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act 1990 and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978, which obstruct the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardise the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations.

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