A collective of two dozen independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council has formally called on the Indian government to immediately cease the use of excessive force against demonstrators. In a statement released on Tuesday, the experts expressed significant concern regarding the state's crackdown on ongoing opposition and student-led protests across the country. They have strongly advocated for an impartial and independent investigation into the conduct of law enforcement agencies during these events.
The UN experts, who monitor human rights crises while remaining independent of the United Nations organization itself, highlighted that protesters have sustained various injuries. According to the statement, there have been credible reports of ill-treatment, with the experts noting specific alarm regarding allegations of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse occurring during the demonstrations and subsequent periods of detention.
The current wave of civil unrest stems from demands made by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), various opposition groups, and student organizations. These groups have been staging protests throughout October, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The central grievance involves the removal of 130 million names from the national voter lists, an action the organizers claim has disproportionately disenfranchised poor and homeless populations, as well as ethnic minorities, including Muslim communities perceived as unlikely to support the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In response to these allegations, both the BJP and the Election Commission of India have denied any wrongdoing. The Election Commission maintained that its actions were limited to removing ineligible voters, such as those who are deceased, have relocated, or are duplicate entries. Officials have asserted that the process was routine and stated that any individuals who believe they were excluded in error are encouraged to pursue the official appeals process.
The UN statement further addressed the tactics employed by security personnel, noting that law enforcement agencies reportedly deployed force against unarmed student groups, despite the ostensibly non-violent nature of the assemblies. The experts specifically mentioned the use of so-called lathi charges—a coordinated policing method involving the use of sticks to disperse crowds—and highlighted reports that authorities had actively prevented thousands of citizens from joining the protest gatherings.
Beyond the issue of physical force, the experts issued a broader set of recommendations. They urged the Indian authorities to rescind blanket bans on public assemblies and to cease the misuse of digital surveillance technologies. The statement specifically mentioned concerns regarding the use of biometric tracking and the implementation of internet disruptions as tools to manage the unrest. These digital measures, the experts argued, infringe upon the rights of citizens to assemble and express their grievances.
The government of India has consistently rejected international criticism regarding its internal handling of domestic protests, characterizing such statements as undue interference in the nation's sovereign affairs. This stance remains consistent with previous reactions when the UN human rights office voiced concerns earlier this month regarding the mass detentions associated with the recent protests. As of now, the demonstrations continue to pose a significant challenge to local authorities, who remain firm in their adherence to the policies implemented by the Election Commission.
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