A/HRC/60/62
9.
India
81.
The situation of the staff and associates of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of
Civil Society (JKCCS), a union of various non-profit organizations based in Srinagar, has
been included since 2017 in the reports85of the Secretary-General on allegations of travel
bans, ill treatment, and arbitrary detention as a result of counter-terrorism charges in relation
with their cooperation with United Nations entities and mechanisms.
82.
The case of Mr. Khurram Parvez, a Kashmiri human rights defender who is also the
Chair of the JKCCS, was also included in previous reports of the Secretary-General,86 and
addressed on several occasions by special procedure mandate holders.87 In September 2023,
the National Investigation Agency reportedly filed a chargesheet claiming that the concerned
NGOs and individuals collected domestic and foreign funds to support terrorist and
secessionist activities.
83.
In its concluding observations of 22 July 2024 on India’s fourth periodic report, the
Human Rights Committee raised concerns over allegations that human rights defenders had
been barred from travelling abroad and engaging with United Nations bodies. The Committee
cited the case of Ms. Khurram Parvez, who was prevented from attending a Human Rights
Council session and has been arbitrarily detained since 2021. The Committee urged the State
party to prevent and combat harassment, intimidation, persecution and violence, including
arbitrary detention and prosecution, against individuals expressing criticism of actions or
policies of public authorities, and to ensure their protection and freedom to carry out their
work without fear of harassment, violence or reprisal; (CCPR/C/IND/CO/4, paras. 51 and
52). According to information received by OHCHR, Mr. Khurram Parvez remains in
detention at the Rohini Jail Complex.
84.
The situation of the Centre for Social Development (CSD) in Manipur and its staff,
including the case of its secretary Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam and his close relatives,
have been included since 2018 in the reports of the Secretary-General.88 Reportedly, staff
from the CSD and Mr. Nobokishore Urikhimbam have been subjected to surveillance,
freezing of bank accounts under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act of 2010 (FCRA),
and attempted killing and abduction of close relatives for their engagement with the United
Nations in relation to uranium mining and cement factories in Meghalaya, and more recently,
in relation to their activities and attempt to report on the human rights situation in Manipur.
85.
According to information received by OHCHR, during the reporting period, the
CSD’s office and its staff continued to be under permanent surveillance by unknown
individuals, allegedly linked to the government. On 17 May 2024, an event organized by
CSD to promote dialogue among civil society organizations and ethnic groups in relation to
the situation in Manipur was allegedly subjected to surveillance by two officers of the
Ministry of Home Affairs. Reportedly, on 20 May 2024 the officers requested information
from the administration in charge of the meeting venue about the event´s organizers, the
participating civil society organizations and the payment arrangements for the meeting venue,
among others. Reportedly, CSD was further intimidated and compelled to apologize for the
organization of the event in local newspapers.
86.
On 30 June 2024, Mr. Urikhimbam was allegedly interrogated by immigration
officials upon his return to India from Geneva. Specifically, he was reportedly questioned
85
A/HRC/36/31, Annex I paras. 39–42; A/HRC/42/30, Annex II, para. 59; A/HRC/48/28, Annex II
paras. 62–64; A/HRC/51/47, Annex II paras. 82–83; A/HRC/54/61, Annex II, paras. 76–77,
A/HRC/57/60, Annex II, paras. 107–110.
86 A/HRC/36/31, Annex I paras. 39–42; A/HRC/39/41, Annex II, para 23, 24; A/HRC/42/30, Annex II,
para. 59; A/HRC/48/28, Annex II paras. 62–64; A/HRC/51/47, Annex II paras. 82–83; A/HRC/54/61,
Annex II, paras. 76–77, A/HRC/57/60, Annex II, paras. 107–110.
87 IND 4/2023, IND 7/2016; IND 9/2016; IND 2/2020; IND 19/2021.
88 A/HRC/57/60, Annex II, paras. 112–115 A/HRC/51/47, para. 61, Annex II. paras. 80–81;
A/HRC/48/28, Annex II. paras. 66–68; A/HRC/45/36, para. 76, Annex II. paras. 72–73;
A/HRC/42/30, Annex II, para. 57; A/HRC/39/41, Annex I paras. 63–65.
60