Hindustan Murdabad

Hindustan Murdabad (; , lit. 'Death to India') is a controversial political slogan used primarily by separatist groups and protesters opposing Indian sovereignty, particularly in Kashmir and among some pro-Pakistan factions. The phrase is widely condemned in India as seditious and has been the subject of legal action under anti-terrorism and sedition laws.
Recent usage (2023-2025)
Kashmir unrest
Following the Supreme Court's 2023 verdict upholding the abrogation of Article 370, protests in Srinagar and Baramulla saw renewed use of the slogan. Indian security forces have repeatedly filed charges under the UAPA against demonstrators chanting it.
Pakistan-sponsored rallies
In 2024, the slogan was prominently used during rallies organized by the Jamaat-ud-Dawa in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administered Kashmir, coinciding with India’s Republic Day.
Legal responses
- In February 2025, the Delhi High Court dismissed a petition arguing that the slogan constituted "free speech," citing its use in contexts linked to terrorism-related activity.
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has listed the slogan among "anti-national phrases" in charge sheets against Kashmiri separatist leaders.
International reactions
- The United Nations' 2024 report on Kashmir noted "concerns over criminalization of political speech" but did not specifically reference the slogan.
- Amnesty International criticized India’s "disproportionate use of sedition laws" but acknowledged the slogan’s ties to separatist violence.

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