UN urge Indian authorities to cease use of excessive force to curb protests

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 organizations 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.



"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, referring to batons used to break up crowds.



"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 on the statement.