Over 20 United Nations human rights experts have raised concerns over the police response to peaceful, youth-led protests in New Delhi and other parts of India over the past three months, calling for an independent
investigation into alleged excessive force and arbitrary detentions.
In a statement issued in Geneva on Tuesday, the experts described the police response as a “broader, troubling pattern” and urged Indian authorities to uphold the right to peaceful protest.
“This crackdown reflects a broader, troubling pattern,” they said, citing concerns over restrictions on public gatherings, the targeting of student activists and reports of enforced disappearances.
“We have repeatedly alerted the Indian authorities to undue restrictions on peaceful assembly, excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, and the targeting of student activists, amongst others.”
UN Experts Flag Detentions, Excessive Force
The experts said police had reportedly used force against unarmed students, including baton charges, and prevented thousands from joining demonstrations.
They also raised concerns over reports that more than 7,000 young people, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers and political party members had been detained in New Delhi. Most were reportedly released within 24 hours.
“We call on the authorities to immediately cease the use of excessive force, rescind blanket assembly bans, and refrain from the misuse of digital surveillance, including through biometrics, and internet disruptions,” the experts said.
They also expressed concern over reports of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse during protests and related detentions.
Protests Over Education, Voter Rolls
Thousands of students and supporters have taken part in demonstrations against government decisions on education and, more recently, the revision of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties and student groups have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that the removal of names from voter lists could disenfranchise eligible voters.
The Election Commission has said it is removing duplicate, deceased, shifted and otherwise ineligible voters, while allowing appeals against wrongful exclusions.
The UN experts called for an independent, impartial and thorough investigation into the conduct of law enforcement agencies, along with accountability and compensation for victims.
They said restrictions on peaceful assembly and expression, arbitrary detention and internet shutdowns raised concerns over India’s international human rights obligations.
India has previously dismissed similar criticism as interference in its internal affairs. The Indian embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the latest statement.
(With inputs from agencies)
