Amnesty International's recent report sheds light on human rights violations in India, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country.
In its 2024 report, Amnesty International highlights a series of incidents where minorities, journalists, political opponents, and other segments of society have been subjected to atrocities under the Modi govt.
The report outlines various instances of suppression of dissenting voices. In February 2023, there were raids on investigative and financial institutions, including the closure of BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai for producing documentaries critical of the Modi administration.
Furthermore, the Indian govt passed the "Digital Media Ethics Code" in April 2023, aiming to censor anti-govt content on social media platforms, thereby restricting freedom of expression.
Journalists have also faced harassment and false accusations. Sabrina Siddiqui, a journalist with The Wall Street Journal, encountered hostility from BJP extremists, while 46 journalists from News Click were falsely accused of terrorism.
Muslims in India have borne the brunt of discrimination and violence, with over 255 reported cases of violence against them during the Modi regime. Additionally, Muslim women faced restrictions on wearing hijab, and Muslim-majority areas were targeted by extremist Hindus, resulting in casualties and injuries.
The Modi govt's amendment to the Citizenship Amendment Act further marginalized Muslims, depriving them of their citizenship rights. The amendment also led to violence against Manipur tribes and forced displacement.
In 2023, the government's actions during the G20 meeting led to the demolition of slums in Delhi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. In Kashmir, journalists faced censorship, and homes were demolished in various districts.
Finally, the Supreme Court's decision to seal the abrogation of Article 370 in December 2023 further raised concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.
These incidents underscore the need for international attention and action to address human rights violations in India, challenging the government's claims of being a secular democracy.
