Allegations of Complicity in Illegal Home Demolitions in India, Palestine, and Kashmir
London-Human rights organisations have intensified their campaign against British bulldozer manufacturer JCB, accusing the company of supplying equipment used in the illegal demolition of homes in India, Palestine, and Indian-administered Kashmir.
The allegations are detailed in a 2025 report titled “Stop JCB’s Bulldozer Genocide: A Report on Human Rights Violations in Palestine, India & Kashmir,” launched at Birkbeck College, University of London. The report describes JCB’s involvement as part of “modern-day British imperialism,” calling out its role in human rights abuses.
Corporate Connections and Controversy
The report highlights JCB owner Anthony Bamford’s ties to the Conservative Party and raises questions over his receipt of a Royal Warrant of Appointment from King Charles in January 2025, despite accusations of offshore tax fraud. It claims that JCB has failed to meet its obligations under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights by allowing its equipment to be used in demolition campaigns that violate international law.
Demands for Accountability
The report calls on JCB to immediately:
- Cease all ties with Israel’s Ministry of Defence.
- Halt operations in occupied Kashmir.
- Ensure its machinery is not used in human rights violations.
First-Hand Testimonies
Activist Afreen Fatima from Allahabad, India, whose family home was demolished in 2022, spoke via video link at the report launch. She described the traumatic experience, labelling it as part of “Hindutva-led oppression.” Despite this, she expressed resilience, stating, “I believe in the power of justice. Tyranny will not last forever.”
Palestinian activist Sara Maher Fahdat also shared her experience of losing her home in the West Bank, which was built by her late father, a victim of Israeli military actions. “Our homes are more than just buildings. They carry the stories of our lives, and their destruction is an attack on our identity,” she said.
Calls for Action
Speakers at the event included Amnesty International’s Director of Economic Affairs, Peter Frankental, and senior human rights activist Kalpana Wilson. Both emphasised the urgent need for governments and corporations to prioritise human rights over profits.
Wilson remarked, “This is not just about JCB. It’s about holding multinational corporations accountable for their role in perpetuating global injustices.”
Report Co-Published by Advocacy Groups
The report was co-published by several advocacy groups, including the South Asia Solidarity Group, the South Asia Justice Campaign, Najjar Mansouh, South Asians for Palestine, and the Stop Bulldozer Genocide campaign. The full report can be accessed online in English.
This latest campaign reinforces calls for greater corporate accountability and highlights the role of businesses in safeguarding human rights globally.