NEW DELHI: United Nations human rights experts have urged Indian authorities to stop using excessive force against protesters and launch an independent investigation into the recent crackdown on demonstrations across the country.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, approximately two dozen independent experts said demonstrators had sustained injuries during police operations, while some reported being subjected to ill-treatment.
The experts said law enforcement agencies had reportedly used force against unarmed students despite the assemblies being non-violent. They also cited the use of batons to disperse crowds and restrictions that prevented thousands of people from joining demonstrations.
The experts called on Indian authorities to end the use of excessive force, lift blanket restrictions on public assemblies and avoid the misuse of digital surveillance, including biometric monitoring and internet disruptions.
Protests Erupt Over India’s Voter-List Revision
The demonstrations have taken place in recent weeks as opposition political parties and student organisations demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters have accused the Election Commission of conducting a revision of voter lists that they say unfairly benefits Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The dispute centres on the removal of approximately 130 million names from electoral rolls, a move that has prompted concerns about whether eligible citizens have been wrongly excluded from voting.
Protesting groups argue that the revisions have disproportionately affected poor and homeless people, as well as ethnic and religious minorities, including Muslims.
They fear the removals could disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Election Commission Rejects Allegations
India’s Election Commission and the BJP have denied allegations that the voter-list revision was designed to favour the ruling party.
The Election Commission has said the exercise aims to remove duplicate entries, deceased individuals, people who have moved away and other ineligible voters.
It has also maintained that individuals excluded from electoral rolls by mistake can appeal to have their names restored.
The controversy has nevertheless fuelled demonstrations, with opposition groups demanding greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
UN Experts Raise Concerns Over Police Conduct
The UN experts said the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators raised serious human rights concerns.
They called for an independent investigation into the handling of the protests and urged authorities to ensure that law enforcement operations comply with international human rights standards.
The experts also expressed concern over restrictions on public gatherings and the reported use of digital surveillance measures.
India’s ‘Cockroach’ Movement Leaders Sent to Jail for Five Days
Their statement follows earlier concerns raised by the UN human rights office over mass detentions connected to the latest demonstrations.
UN human rights experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and document specific human rights issues. They operate independently and do not speak on behalf of the United Nations as an institution.
India Defends Law Enforcement Actions
The Indian government has previously rejected criticism of its handling of domestic protests, describing such comments as interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Earlier this month, the government said law enforcement agencies had acted “strictly in accordance with the law.”
India’s embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the latest statement by UN experts, according to the report.
The crackdown has also drawn criticism from international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
Student Protests Add to Political Pressure
The latest demonstrations come after earlier student-led protests over examination-paper leaks, which contributed to growing public pressure and the resignation of India’s education minister, according to the report.
Opposition parties and student groups have continued to challenge the authorities over electoral transparency, the treatment of demonstrators and restrictions on public gatherings.
The controversy has widened into a broader debate over civil liberties, political accountability and the right to peaceful protest.
Independent Investigation Sought
The UN experts’ latest intervention has increased international scrutiny of India’s response to the demonstrations.
Their call for an independent investigation centres on allegations of excessive force, injuries to protesters, reported ill-treatment and restrictions on peaceful assembly.
The Indian government maintains that its law enforcement agencies operate within the law, while the Election Commission says its voter-list revision is intended to improve electoral accuracy.
The dispute remains unresolved, with protesters continuing to demand accountability and assurances that eligible citizens will retain their right to vote.
