A group of independent UN human rights experts has urged the Indian government to immediately halt the use of excessive force following a crackdown on opposition and student demonstrations across the country. In a joint statement, the experts demanded an impartial investigation into the conduct of law enforcement agencies, citing numerous injuries and reports of ill-treatment among demonstrators.

The experts expressed profound concern over allegations of sexual violence and gender-based abuse during the protests and subsequent detentions. According to the statement, despite the entirely non-violent nature of the assemblies, security forces allegedly deployed aggressive tactics, including baton charges against unarmed students and restrictions on public movement.

The unrest was reportedly triggered by the removal of approximately 130 million names from national voter lists, a move that opposition parties and student organizations claim disproportionately targeted vulnerable populations, including the poor, homeless, and minority communities. Protesters have persistently demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Meanwhile, Indian authorities and the Election Commission have firmly rejected the accusations, asserting that the voter list revision was aimed solely at removing duplicate and ineligible records. In response to international pressure, the Indian establishment has historically dismissed such criticisms as unwarranted interference in its sovereign domestic affairs.

Source: www.aljazeera.com