UN Experts Urge India to Stop Excessive Force Against Protesters
United Nations-appointed independent experts have called on Indian authorities to stop the alleged use of excessive force against protesters and launch an independent investigation into the handling of recent demonstrations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the experts said protesters had reportedly suffered injuries and that some had alleged ill-treatment during police operations.
Protests Over Voter List Revision
Opposition political parties and student organisations have held demonstrations in recent weeks, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protests concern a revision of voter lists known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Opposition groups allege that the process could unfairly exclude eligible voters and benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BJP and the Election Commission have denied these allegations.
UN Experts Call for Independent Investigation
The experts expressed concern over reports that law enforcement agencies used force against unarmed demonstrators, including baton charges, and restricted access to protest gatherings.
They urged the authorities to end excessive force, reconsider broad restrictions on public assemblies and avoid the misuse of digital surveillance technologies, including biometric systems. They also raised concerns about internet disruptions.
The experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and document human rights issues, but they operate independently of the United Nations as an organisation.
Indian Government's Response
India has previously rejected similar criticism, describing such comments as interference in its internal affairs.
According to the report, the Indian 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 at the time of publication.
Dispute Over Voter Lists
Protesting groups claim that approximately 130 million names were removed from voter lists, potentially affecting eligible voters, including disadvantaged communities.
The Election Commission has said it was removing duplicate entries and names of deceased, relocated or otherwise ineligible voters. It has also stated that individuals who believe they were wrongly excluded can pursue appeals.
The handling of the protests has drawn criticism from human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
The issue continues to raise questions about public assembly, election administration and the protection of civil liberties in India.
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