UN experts called on Tuesday for an independent investigation into Indian authorities' conduct in a recent crackdown on protests, where they said demonstrators had sustained injuries and some reported being subjected to ill-treatment. Opposition political parties and student organisations have held protests this month in India demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over a revision of voter lists that they say favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Despite the non-violent nature of the assemblies, law enforcement agencies have reportedly deployed force against unarmed students, including lathi charges, and have prevented thousands from joining the protests," the two dozen experts said in a statement. "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," they said.
The Indian embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. India has repeatedly dismissed such criticism as interference in its internal affairs.
Protesting groups say the removal of 130 million names from voter lists led to eligible voters being disenfranchised, disproportionately affecting poor and homeless people as well as ethnic minorities, including Muslims. The BJP and India's Election Commission deny these allegations, stating that the process involved removing duplicate, deceased, and ineligible voters.
The crackdown has been condemned by rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. International observers have continued to monitor the situation closely, expressing deep concern over the shrinking civic space and democratic freedoms in the region.
Further developments are expected as civil society organizations and legal experts prepare to challenge the voter list revisions in higher judicial forums.