The Saga of Torture in Kashmir

Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikander

Introduction
Genesis of the conflict
Partition legacy Contested Claims

Historical roots of K-conflict

What constitutes torture?

Inflicting severe pain or suffering
Mental or physical Creation of suffering group

Torture in India
Prevalence of rampant torture esp. conflict zones
Absence of strong anti-torture law Impunity from persecution to perpetuator of torture

particularly security forces

Use of torture in Kashmir

Used since 1931
A weapon to silence political dissent & opposition

Torture & Mass Armed insurgency in Kashmir

3 Draconian laws imposed on Kashmir
DAA, AFSPA, PSA Mass scale use of torture as counter insurgency tool

Torture & its bitter fruits

Torture at the hands of insurgents PAK & torture of Kashmiris

Torture as described in Jail diaries

Syed Ali Shah Geelani
Iftikhar Gilani Maqbool Sahil

Anjum Zamruda Habib

Torture & use of irregular forces

Used Since 1938
Maisuma Regiment 29.15 or Khoftan Fakeer

Ikhwanis or Naabids

Conclusion
Need for strong anti-torture laws
Persecution of the guilty Need for strengthening NHRC & SHRCs

Ban on use of irregular forces