UN Experts Urge India to Halt Force Against Student Protesters

A collective of United Nations independent experts issued a formal appeal to Indian authorities urging an immediate end to violent police crackdowns against peaceful student assemblies. Human rights rapporteurs warned that the ongoing suppression constitutes an alarming escalation in state restrictions targeting civil society and youth demonstrators. Across multiple regional centers, hundreds of thousands of young demonstrators have mobilized without violence over recent months to voice democratic grievances. Despite the peaceful conduct of the public gatherings, state security personnel deployed baton strikes and physical force against unarmed participants. Official communications indicate that security forces arbitrarily detained more than 7,000 students, media correspondents, advocates, and political figures in New Delhi. Documented accounts reveal that detained demonstrators suffered physical injuries alongside instances of abusive mistreatment while held in police custody. International monitors declared that such police measures breach fundamental treaty commitments guaranteeing freedom of assembly and individual liberty. The UN delegation demanded that government leaders withdraw sweeping assembly prohibitions and halt digital monitoring practices across urban areas. The independent experts urged the prompt establishment of an impartial inquiry to examine law enforcement misconduct and identify responsible commanders. The panel stressed that state authorities must implement strict non-recurrence safeguards ensuring democratic rights for students and citizens nationwide.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was reportedly used to suspend public transportation and shut down internet services.