Indian security forces reportedly murdered nine individuals and arrested at least 2,480 Kashmiris in April 2025, raising serious concerns regarding human rights abuses in Jammu and Kashmir region.
Figures released by several independent watchdogs and verified by local journalists show a rapid uptick in crackdowns, detentions, and operations across Kashmir Valley. Human rights activists have called this situation deeply alarming in advance of India’s national elections where Kashmir remains a politically contentious topic.
Of the nine people killed, several have been identified by Indian authorities as militants; however, local sources and families of the dead have challenged this assessment and allege extrajudicial actions and unfair targeting by authorities. Unfortunately, no independent judicial investigations have yet been initiated into their killings.
These 2,480 individuals arrested during April were political activists, students, journalists and civilians alike. Many were detained under the controversial Public Safety Act (PSA), which allows detention without trial for up to two years without trial being necessary – something widely condemned by human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
“These arrests are part of an ongoing pattern to suppress dissent and control population through fear and surveillance,” stated a human rights lawyer from Kashmir who requested anonymity due to security considerations.
Residents report night raids, increased military patrols, and internet blackouts throughout the month. Furthermore, several districts imposed mobile service disruptions and curfews without prior warning, further disrupting daily life and communication.
Indian officials maintain that security operations are necessary to combat terrorism and maintain law and order in a region marked by insurgency and political unrest for decades. Officials argue that recent intelligence indicates threats of cross-border infiltration as well as attacks against infrastructure.
However, Pakistani officials and international observers continue to express concerns over what they deem as India’s excessive use of force and suppression of political freedoms in Kashmir. Pakistan’s foreign office condemned recent killings and arrests, calling upon international bodies to intervene and ensure protection for Kashmiri people.
As tensions escalate and local elections take place across Kashmir this summer, activists fear the situation in Kashmir could worsen further. They urge global rights organizations to pay attention and demand accountability from Indian authorities.
No official statement from New Delhi has yet been issued to address recent reports of arrests and deaths.