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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Maroosha Muzaffar

Calls to end ‘excessive force’ against demonstrators in India

  • Two dozen UN experts have called on Indian authorities to stop using excessive force against demonstrators protesting against changes to voter lists and requested an independent investigation into the situation.
  • Protesters, including student groups and opposition parties, are demanding the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations that 130 million names were removed from voter rolls.
  • Critics claim the voter revision targets poor, homeless and Muslim minority voters to benefit prime minister Narendra Modi 's BJP , charges which both the Election Commission and government deny.
  • More than 7,000 people, including journalists and lawyers, have been detained in Delhi amid reports of baton charges against peaceful assemblies and internet disruptions.
  • UN experts warned that the crackdown violates international legal obligations regarding peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and the security of individuals.

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