Ongoing Use Of UAPA Throughout India Worrying : UN Human Rights Commissioner
[14 Septemeber 2021]
The Office of High Commissioner of Human Rights, United Nations, has expressed its concerns over the ongoing use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act throughout India and has called the situation as ‘worrying. Referring to the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has remarked that the state has the highest number of cases registered under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UAPA] across the Country. “Ongoing use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act throughout India is worrying, with Jammu & Kashmir having among the highest number of cases in the country,” the statement by Bachelet reads. Bachelet also flagged concerns regarding the cases of Journalists who are under detention “for exercising their right to the freedom of expression”. Acknowledging the ‘worrying’ state of affairs, Bachelet has remarked thus: “Indian authorities’ restrictions on public assembly, and frequent temporary communication blackouts, continue in Jammu and Kashmir, while hundreds of people remain in detention for exercising their right to the freedom of expression, and journalists face ever-growing pressure.”