Kashmir - Disappeared Persons
Since the insurgency started in Kashmir,
in the late 1980s, as many as 10,000 people have 'disappeared'.
Most of these people appear to have been
apprehended by Indian security forces.
Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
and other bodies have criticised the disappeareances, and
associated allegations of torture and extra-judicial
killing. However the armed forces have extensive
protection from investigation and prosecution
under the 'Jammu & Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act' and
the 'Armed Forces (Jammu & Kashmir)
Special Ordinance Act'.
The rate of new disappearances has reduced
in recent years, although not stopped. That, of course, means
little to those who's relatives have already
disappeared. The Association for Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP)
supports affected families, as far as it
can, with support and legal advice.
home