Amnesty suspends India work due to govt ‘witch hunt’

NEW DELHI AFP,29 SEPT,2020- Amnesty International said Tuesday it has suspended its Indian operations after its bank accounts were frozen in what it called a government “witch-hunt” against rights groups.

Non-governmental organisations have long alleged they face harassment from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist administration for highlighting rights abuses, including in restive Indian-administered Kashmir.

Amnesty said that it came to know on September 10 that its Indian bank accounts were frozen, forcing it to let go of staff and pause all ongoing campaign and research work.

“This is the latest in the incessant witch-hunt of human rights organisations by the Government of India over unfounded and motivated allegations,” the group said in a statement.