Kashmir disappeared

Since the insurgency started in Kashmir, in the late 1980s, as many as 10,000 people have 'disappeared'. Most of these people appear to have been apprehended by Indian security forces. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and other bodies have criticised the disappeareances, and associated allegations of torture and extra-judicial killing. However the armed forces have extensive protection from investigation and prosecution under the 'Jammu & Kashmir Disturbed Areas Act' and the 'Armed Forces (Jammu & Kashmir) Special Ordinance Act'. The rate of new disappearances has reduced in recent years, although not stopped. That, of course, means little to those who's relatives have already disappeared. The Association for Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) supports affected families, as far as it can, with support and legal advice.