UN voices concern over handling of CJP protests in Delhi
New Delhi: The United Nations has urged Indian authorities to ensure people wishing to protest peacefully are allowed to do so “without the fear of harassment,” as the demonstrations led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the Indian capital drew international scrutiny before concluding on Friday.
According to Kashmir Media Service, responding to a question at the UN Secretary-General’s daily press briefing on July 20, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said the world body was closely following the developments in New Delhi.
“We’re obviously very much aware of the protests that we’ve seen in New Delhi. It is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without the fear of harassment, the fear of arrest, or the fear of injury. And it is incumbent on security forces, there as it is everywhere, to ensure that those rights are protected,” Dujarric said.
The remarks came days after the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march by thousands of students and youth activists witnessed clashes with police near Parliament. Police personnel used tear gas, batons and barricades to stop demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament, with both protesters and police personnel sustaining injuries.
Protesters alleged excessive use of force, while Delhi Police maintained that the crowd had turned “unruly, aggressive and violent” after violating prohibitory orders. The protests began over alleged leaks in competitive entrance examinations and demands for the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They later expanded into a broader youth-led movement seeking accountability and reforms in the education system.
The UN’s comments add to growing international attention on the handling of the protests. Earlier this week, Human Rights Watch urged the Indian authorities to investigate allegations of excessive use of force by security personnel during the July 20 crackdown and to safeguard the right to peaceful assembly.
