BJP Pressurize Lawyers in IIOJK to Avoid Political Cases

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the legal profession is facing unprecedented pressure, as lawyers are increasingly hesitant to represent political prisoners due to coercion from the Delhi-appointed administration.

In Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), lawyers are refraining from taking on politically sensitive cases involving pro-freedom activists due to intense pressure from the Delhi-appointed Manoj Sinha administration. This has raised serious concerns about legal and human rights issues in the region, as it highlights the challenges faced by the legal community in defending individuals connected to the pro-independence movement.

The situation has created a significant legal void in IIOJK, with many individuals facing charges without the legal representation needed to challenge the accusations. Lawyers are reluctant to take on cases involving pro-freedom activists, fearing repercussions from the Indian government and its agencies. This reluctance undermines the legal process, leaving vulnerable individuals at the mercy of authorities who may coerce under-trials into admitting to crimes they did not commit.

Without proper legal advocacy, these individuals have little chance of receiving a fair trial. The lack of representation also results in higher conviction rates, which, in turn, lends an illusion of legitimacy to the Indian government’s actions in IIOJK. The legal community’s failure to defend these individuals contributes to the ongoing systemic injustice in the region.

This scenario exposes the fear and silence within IIOJK’s legal community, with only a few lawyers willing to speak out against the actions of the BJP government. A notable example is that of senior lawyer Mian Qayoom, a well-respected figure in the Kashmiri legal field, who had to seek external legal help for his representation in the High Court. His situation illustrates the deep isolation and intimidation within the local legal profession, where even high-profile individuals feel the need to bring in outside lawyers due to the pressure of the current political climate.

The absence of widespread resistance from the legal community reflects a broader issue of systemic fear and coercion, aimed at silencing dissent in IIOJK. As local lawyers are increasingly deterred from defending political cases, the chances of achieving justice for individuals in the region diminish significantly.

The reluctance of lawyers to take on political cases in IIOJK raises grave concerns about the fundamental human rights of individuals in the region. The right to a fair trial is being undermined as legal representation becomes increasingly scarce. The pressure on the legal community to avoid politically sensitive cases demonstrates the extent to which the Indian administration seeks to control and suppress any form of dissent in IIOJK.

This situation highlights the critical role of the legal profession in safeguarding individuals’ rights, especially in politically charged environments. As long as the legal community remains silenced by fear and intimidation, the prospects for justice in IIOJK remain bleak.