A group of independent United Nations experts has urged the Indian government to immediately halt the use of excessive force following a severe crackdown on opposition and student demonstrations across the country. In a joint statement released on Tuesday, roughly two dozen experts pressed for an impartial investigation into the conduct of Indian authorities, pointing to documented injuries among demonstrators and allegations of mistreatment during detentions.
The experts expressed particular alarm over reports indicating that participants faced sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse during the protests and subsequent police detentions. While these specialists are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and document specific human rights crises, they operate independently of the organization itself rather than speaking as official UN representatives.
The demonstrations erupted earlier this month under the leadership of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alongside various opposition factions and student organizations. Protesters have taken to the streets to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The mobilization was triggered by the removal of 130 million names from national voter registries.
Organizers and participating groups argue that the sweeping purges disproportionately targeted vulnerable populations, including poor and homeless individuals, as well as ethnic minorities such as Muslims. Critics contend these demographics are less likely to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Both the ruling BJP and India’s Election Commission have rejected the accusations. The Election Commission defended its actions by stating that the process was designed to eliminate duplicate, deceased, relocated, and otherwise ineligible voters from the registry. Officials added that individuals excluded in error retain the right to pursue formal appeals.
Despite the peaceful character of the gatherings, law enforcement agencies have reportedly deployed aggressive tactics against unarmed students. According to the UN statement, police have utilized lathi charges—coordinated maneuvers where officers employ heavy sticks to disperse crowds—and prevented thousands of citizens from joining the demonstrations.
The panel of experts urged authorities to immediately cease excessive force, rescind blanket assembly bans, and halt the misuse of digital surveillance techniques, including biometric tools and internet disruptions.
Indian officials have consistently dismissed external human rights criticism, characterizing such interventions as unwarranted interference in the nation’s internal affairs. This stance mirrors previous government responses earlier in the month, when the UN human rights office voiced concerns regarding mass detentions connected to the ongoing protests.
