CALLS MOUNT FOR MODI ACCOUNTABILITY

Wed 19 November 2025:

Ahead of the G20 summit set to take place in South Africa, pressure is building on authorities to act on allegations of severe human rights abuses in Indian-administered Kashmir.

Civil society groups argue that South Africa carries both a legal foundation and a moral responsibility to respond as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to arrive for the summit.

South Africa Kashmir Action Group (SAKAG) Chairman Salman Khan said his organisation submitted a detailed dossier calling for South Africa to initiate legal processes under domestic and international law.

He said the country’s constitutional commitments and ratified treaties provide a clear basis for action.

“It’s calling for South Africa to take its… legal stance and obligations under the internationally customary law… as well as invoking our Bill of Rights.”

Khan stressed that the group’s position is not directed at Indian citizens or Indian society.

He said the focus is specifically on state policies and decisions taken under the current administration, which he believes have restricted civil liberties and targeted minority groups.

“We have nothing… against India or Indian people… What we are against… is the ongoing onslaught under the Mr Modi regime since 2014.”

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Legal and Diplomatic Implications

A key element of the dossier addresses India’s 2019 revocation of Articles 370 and 35A.

Khan argued that the move was carried out unilaterally and in violation of international legal standards, further entrenching control over a disputed region. He said this shift heightens instability and requires external scrutiny.

“Modi unilaterally and illegally… contravened international law… incorporating by force the territory.”

Khan also confirmed that South African authorities had formally acknowledged receipt of the dossier.

He stated that the submission has been referred for further direction from the National Prosecuting Authority and relevant investigative units.

“We have acknowledged the receipt of the dosia… we are looking for directives… to take further action.”

The dossier raises concerns heavily centred on the lived reality in Kashmir.

Khan cited long-term curfews, disappearances, heavy militarisation and restrictions on movement as part of the ongoing crisis. He said these conditions underscore the urgency of seeking accountability.

“Life is completely abnormal… over 30,000 youth have been taken… and we do not know where they are.”