In Panjab province, reports of force being used against peaceful demonstrators calling for the release of an elected representative are deeply troubling and warrant independent, impartial investigation. The repeated use of restrictive measures against Sikh political expression risks undermining freedoms guaranteed under international human rights law, including the rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and political participation. The international community, including UN and UN Human Rights, should closely monitor these developments, call for accountability where human rights violations are established, and urge the Indian government to uphold its international human rights obligations and respect the fundamental rights of the Sikh community.
