evidence: A regime of military de jure and de facto impunity has perpetuated abuse against Kashmiri bodies. At the heart of this impunity is the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act (AFSPA) of 1990. AFSPA in Jammu and Kashmir is modeled off the national Armed Forces Special Powers Act152 and was passed at a time when the state was under Governor’s Rule.153 Similar legal regimes have been enacted in "disturbed areas" across India.154 Although the definition of what constitutes "disturbed" is vague, the determination is the central government’s authority and is not subject to review.155 The legislation emerged in Kashmir following a declaration that the Kashmir Valley had become "disturbed" in 1990, and has applied ever since.156 AFSPA vests officers with sweeping authority: they can use deadly force in instances where they are not at imminent risk.157 AFSPA grants armed forces the broad power to destroy property from which "armed attacks" are "likely" or "attempted" to be made;158 arrest without warrant;159 enter and search without warrant;160 and stop, search, and seize vehicles.161 In short, actions that would otherwise be an abuse both of Indian criminal and human rights law are now simply a "use" of AFSPA.162 Through AFSPA, the Indian state is not only empowered to exert "free and ruthless force"163 against Kashmiri bodies but also is invited to do so within the law.