Crackdown on Protesters Draws Global Criticism, Modi Government Faces Diplomatic Embarrassment

New Delhi (Monitoring Desk): The Modi government is facing international criticism and diplomatic embarrassment over the alleged use of repressive state tactics against peaceful protests and claims of irregularities in electoral rolls. The controversy over the removal of more than 130 million names from voter lists, allegedly to benefit the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sparked renewed debate across India and internationally.

According to a report by international human rights organisation Human Rights Watch, Indian authorities have suspended mobile internet services in various areas as part of measures to suppress peaceful demonstrations. The report also alleges that local and foreign journalists covering the protests have been harassed and detained arbitrarily. The organisation says recent controversial actions by India’s Chief Election Commissioner are directly affecting the country’s Muslim population and other religious minorities, who it says are being pushed to the margins of the electoral process.

Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, expressed serious concern over the situation in New Delhi, alleging that Delhi Police had used unnecessary and excessive force against peaceful protesters, in violation of fundamental democratic rights.

Meanwhile, international media outlets, including Reuters and The New York Times, have published detailed reports on the Indian administration’s hard-line policies, alleged violence against protesters and irregularities in voter registration. These reports have also raised questions about the Modi government’s claims of upholding democratic principles.