Activists, families hold sit-ins in Kashmir to protest alleged torture, disappearances

SRINAGAR, India – Activists and families are staging sit-in protests in Indian-held Kashmir to demand justice for torture and rape victims as well as answers about how 8,000 people allegedly disappeared in the conflict-ridden Himalayan territory.

For years, rights groups have accused Indian forces of using systematic abuse and unjustified arrests to intimidate residents, many of whom oppose India's rule over the territory disputed with Pakistan.

The regional government denies the allegations, saying they are separatist propaganda meant to demonize troops.

In a Srinagar park, more than 100 people sat for hours Tuesday with placards reading "Justice Denied" and "Supreme Court: Does 8,000 disappearances concern you?"