UN Experts Condemn India's Tough Response to Youth-Led Protests

United Nations human rights experts have criticised India’s handling of youth-led protests, raising concerns over alleged excessive use of force, mass detentions and restrictions on peaceful demonstrations. The experts have urged Indian authorities to investigate reported violations and ensure that the rights of protesters are protected.

In a statement, the experts expressed concern over the treatment of students, activists, journalists, lawyers and other participants involved in demonstrations in New Delhi and elsewhere. They called for an independent and impartial investigation into allegations of police misconduct and urged authorities to hold those responsible for any established violations accountable.

The protests, which initially focused on issues such as examination paper leaks, have expanded to include concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Demonstrators have questioned the removal of names from voter lists and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

According to reports cited by the UN experts, thousands of people were detained during the demonstrations in Delhi. The experts also raised concerns about alleged baton charges, injuries, confiscation of mobile phones and the deletion of protest-related material. They called for particular attention to reports of ill-treatment and gender-based abuse involving women protesters.

The experts further questioned restrictions on public gatherings, reported internet disruptions and the use of surveillance technologies in connection with the protests. They stressed that any restrictions on peaceful assembly must comply with human rights standards and be necessary and proportionate to legitimate public safety concerns.

The electoral revision has become a major point of contention between opposition groups and the authorities. Critics fear that eligible voters could be excluded from electoral rolls, while the Election Commission has maintained that the exercise is intended to improve the accuracy of voter lists by identifying duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries.

The Indian government has previously rejected criticism from the UN human rights office over the handling of the demonstrations, describing such comments as interference in the country’s internal affairs. Authorities have maintained that law enforcement agencies operate within the framework of the law. The UN experts have called on India to ensure that peaceful protesters can exercise their rights without facing unjustified restrictions. They have also urged the authorities to investigate the allegations thoroughly, provide appropriate remedies to victims of any proven violations and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The controversy has renewed debate over the balance between maintaining public order and protecting democratic freedoms. As concerns surrounding electoral transparency and the treatment of young demonstrators continue to attract attention, the handling of the allegations could have implications for public confidence in law enforcement and democratic institutions.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.