Numerous demolitions taking place in Jammu and Kashmir, India’s only Muslim-majority region
Bulldozers destroying homes despite many residents providing proof of ownership
‘No one should be made homeless or vulnerable to other human rights violations because of evictions’ – Aakar Patel
UK construction equipment giant JCB’s bulldozers are being used in house demolitions in Jammu and Kashmir in India, with Amnesty International describing the ongoing evictions and demolitions as a “gross violation” of human rights.
Peter Frankental, Amnesty International UK’s Economic Affairs Director, said:
“JCB should be horrified that their equipment is being used in some of these demolitions. They must take active steps to prevent this.
“At the very least, JCB should use their dealer and customer contracts and their diagnostic technology to prevent such misuse, including by decommissioning machines remotely where possible.
“If JCB fails to act over Kashmir it would be another example of the company falling short of its obligation to conduct proper human rights due diligence over how its machines are being used around the world.”
Demolition of homes
During 4-5 February, the district municipal corporation and state revenue authorities in collaboration with the police demolished the homes and properties of residents in at least four districts of Jammu and Kashmir – Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag and Baramulla. According to media reports, several residents allege say they did not receive prior notification from the local authorities. Many also said they possessed documents proving ownership of their properties, but the authorities denied them the opportunity to present their claims before bulldozers destroyed their homes.
This story was originally published in amnesty.org.u . Read the full story here
