Mumbai: In response to UN experts criticizing India for using excessive repression against protesters during recent demonstrations, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has sarcastically asked whether they are experts or people who represent the opposite meaning of the word.
Protests against issues such as question paper leaks, NEET exam irregularities, and the removal of names from voter lists had a nationwide impact. In this context, a group of UN human rights experts has accused authorities of using repression against protesters during such demonstrations.
In a joint statement issued by a group of more than 20 UN experts in this regard, ‘Although the recent protests in India were peaceful, law enforcement agencies have used repression, such as baton charges against unarmed students.
As a result, some of the protesters have been injured. Many have been subjected to mistreatment. In addition, thousands have been prevented from participating in the protests.
We call on the authorities to immediately stop the use of excessive force, lift the blanket bans imposed on public gatherings, and refrain from misusing digital surveillance methods, including biometric systems, as well as shutting down internet services. We also insist that an independent investigation be conducted into this matter,” it said.
India has rejected this report by UN experts. Speaking at the UN forum on the matter, India’s representative Bharka Tamrakar said, “India firmly opposes attempts to create a negative image of India, the world’s largest democracy, through unverified allegations, incomplete statistics, and reports that show a lack of understanding of India.
Human rights should not be used for political pressure or to target specific countries alone. Issues related to human rights require an evidence-based, impartial approach,” she said.
In this context, when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is visiting India, was asked about this issue during a press interaction in Mumbai, he responded, “UN experts? Yes, they are my favorite people. Should I say UN experts, or should I say that’s an oxymoron?” he remarked sarcastically.
He further said, “This is an internal matter. I am not going to interfere in it. India is a democracy. Elections are held here. So, I am not going to take any side in the internal affairs of Indians. This is something the people of India must decide and handle.
In a democratic environment, protests and the expression of differing political views are natural. There is a difference between peaceful protests and violent protests. Taking Cuba as an example, those with opposing views there face risks such as being imprisoned or exiled,” he said.