The experts called for an impartial investigation into the conduct of Indian law enforcement agencies, citing reports of force against unarmed demonstrators, injuries, ill-treatment and gender-based abuse
TBS Report
21 October, 2026, 12:40 pm
Last modified: 21 October, 2026, 12:43 pm
Two dozen independent United Nations experts have called on the Indian government to immediately halt the use of "excessive force" against opposition and student protesters following recent crackdowns across the country.
The experts called for an impartial investigation into the conduct of Indian law enforcement agencies, citing reports of force against unarmed demonstrators, injuries, ill-treatment and gender-based abuse, says the BBC.
"Despite the non-violent nature of the assemblies, law enforcement agencies have reportedly deployed force against unarmed students including by means of police so-called lathi charges, and have prevented thousands from joining the protests," the experts stated.
"Protesters have sustained injuries, with some reporting being subjected to ill-treatment. The experts expressed particular concern about reports of sexual violence and other forms of gender-based abuse in the protests and related detentions," according to the official statement.
The protests, led by India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alongside other opposition parties and student organisations, began following the removal of 130 million names from voter lists. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Protesters allege the removals disproportionately affect poor, homeless and ethnic minority populations, including Muslims, whom they consider unlikely to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The BJP and the Election Commission of India have denied the allegations. The Election Commission has said it is removing duplicate, deceased, shifted and ineligible voters, adding that anyone mistakenly removed can file an appeal.
The UN experts called on Indian authorities to end the use of force and lift restrictions on assemblies.
"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," the experts added.
India has consistently rejected criticism from UN monitors, describing such statements as interference in the country's internal affairs.
The experts' statement follows earlier concerns raised by the UN human rights office over mass detentions linked to the protests.