Sexual exploitation by armed forces without held accountable ever

Since 1990, armed forces in Jammu & Kashmir have been credibly documented committing systematic sexual violence against civilians — yet not a single personnel has ever been convicted in a civilian court.

Landmark cases include: The Kunan Poshpora mass rape (February 1991, Kupwara), where over 23 women were assaulted by the 4th Rajputana Rifles during a night crackdown;

The rape and murder of Asiya Jan (17) and Neelofar Jan (22) in Shopian (May 2009), where CBI reversed forensic evidence of rape and homicide to 'accidental drowning';

The Handwara minor assault (April 2016), which sparked protests killing 5 civilians — while the alleged perpetrators faced no charges. Human Rights Watch documented 88 cases of rape in Kashmir between 1990–1993 alone, acknowledging the true figure is far higher.

SYSTEM & LAW FAILURE

AFSPA Section 7: Requires Central Government sanction to prosecute armed forces — never granted once in 34 years.

CrPC Section 197: Adds a second prosecution barrier for government servants, compounding the impunity.