In recent months, the regions of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIJOK) and Manipur have witnessed grave incidents that have drawn international attention and raised serious concerns over human rights violations. The United Nations (UN) has expressed its discontent with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in these regions, but the Indian government has strongly rejected these claims. This article explores these recent events with factual analysis, figures, and the Indian government’s responses to global scrutiny.
Jammu and Kashmir: Recent Developments
1. Surge in Violence and Militancy
On March 28, 2025, a violent gunfight erupted in the Kathua district, Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least four police officers and three suspected militants. The armed confrontation took place after intelligence inputs indicated the presence of militants in a forested region bordering Pakistan. The encounter involved intense gunfire, grenades, and rocket-propelled attacks, resulting in several injuries among security forces.
Key Statistics of Recent Violence in J&K:
- In the first six months of 2024, 14 security personnel were killed in violent encounters.
- In 2023, 30 security personnel lost their lives in militant-related incidents.
- More than 100 civilians were killed or injured in crossfire situations in 2024 alone.
This incident is one of many in the ongoing resistance movement in Kashmir, which has been a hotbed of violence since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The removal of J&K’s special status escalated unrest, leading to an increased military presence in the valley, mass detentions, and widespread communication blackouts.
2. Human Rights Violations and Suppression
Kashmir continues to be under a heavy military crackdown, with an estimated 700,000 Indian troops stationed in the region. There have been repeated reports of:
- Arbitrary detentions under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
- Internet shutdowns that restrict free expression and prevent access to information.
- Torture and custodial deaths, with human rights organizations accusing Indian forces of committing extrajudicial killings.
- Civilian protests are being crushed, with thousands detained without trial.
These allegations have drawn the attention of international organizations, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Amnesty International, which have called for independent investigations into alleged war crimes.
Manipur: Ethnic Conflict and Government’s Failure
1. Ethnic Clashes and Displacement
Manipur, a state in northeast India, has been gripped by ethnic violence since May 2023, mainly between the Meitei majority and the Kuki-Zo tribal communities. The conflict erupted after demands by the Meitei community to gain Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which was opposed by the tribal groups who saw it as an encroachment on their rights.
Humanitarian Crisis at a Glance:
- Over 250 people have been killed since the violence began.
- More than 60,000 people have been displaced and are now living in makeshift camps.
- Entire villages have been burned and looted, forcing communities to flee.
- Women and children have suffered the most, with reports of sexual violence and targeted killings surfacing.
In a significant escalation, the influx of armed fighters from Myanmar’s civil war has further complicated the conflict. Reports suggest that militants from across the border have joined the fight, fueling more bloodshed.
2. Indian Government’s Response: Direct Rule Imposed
On February 13, 2025, the Indian government imposed direct federal rule over Manipur, effectively removing the state government. The move came after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned, citing his inability to control the ongoing violence. The decision to impose a central rule reflects the Indian government’s failure to contain the situation through local governance.
Despite the direct intervention, violence continues, and conditions in refugee camps remain dire, with thousands still lacking proper medical aid, food supplies, and security.
International Response and India’s Rejection of UN Claims
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHRC), Volker Türk, addressed the situations in Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur in his global update to the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Türk highlighted:
- The use of restrictive laws to silence dissent.
- Harassment of human rights activists and suppression of press freedom.
- Unresolved ethnic tensions in Manipur, warning of further escalation.
- The need for an independent inquiry into human rights abuses.
1. India’s Strong Rebuttal
In response, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, dismissed the UNHRC’s remarks as “unfounded and baseless.” The Indian government asserted that:
- Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India, and any external commentary is “interference in domestic affairs.”
- India is the “largest democracy in the world” and has a robust legal framework to protect human rights.
- The situation in Manipur is “peaceful and stable”, and the central government is handling it appropriately.
2. Global Criticism and Diplomatic Fallout
At the United Nations debate on peacekeeping reforms, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish strongly rejected Pakistan’s repeated references to Jammu and Kashmir, calling them “unwarranted“. He reaffirmed that Jammu and Kashmir was, is, and will always be an integral part of India. Harish further emphasized that Pakistan itself is illegally occupying part of Jammu and Kashmir and must vacate the territory.
He also criticized Pakistan for diverting attention from core discussions on peacekeeping, stating, “Such repeated references neither validate their illegal claims nor justify their state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.” India also reiterated its commitment to UN peacekeeping reforms, calling for adequate funding and representation for troop-contributing nations. Harish further emphasized women’s role in peacekeeping, stating, “It is no longer a question of whether women can do peacekeeping. Rather, it is about whether peacekeeping can do without women.”
While India continues to reject international claims, several human rights organizations and foreign governments have raised concerns.
- The United States and the European Union have urged India to ensure justice for affected communities.
- Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have released reports detailing alleged state-sponsored atrocities in Kashmir and Manipur.
- The United Nations Special Rapporteurs have called for independent investigations into state violence and police brutality.
Conclusion: A Tipping Point?
The situation in Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur is becoming increasingly complex, with growing violence, humanitarian crises, and international scrutiny. While the Indian government maintains a defensive stance, claiming it is addressing these issues internally, evidence suggests continued repression, displacement, and human rights violations.
The rejection of UN claims has further highlighted the growing gap between India’s official narrative and the ground realities. As pressure mounts from international organizations and diplomatic circles, India’s response to these crises will shape its global standing in human rights and democratic governance.
With no immediate resolution in sight, the world is watching how India navigates these conflicts—whether through genuine peace efforts or continued suppression.
