Washington: Six US Democratic lawmakers have urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to raise concerns over the alleged use of excessive force against student protesters in India during his upcoming visit. Their letter also calls for scrutiny of allegations that Indian diplomatic missions monitored protesters in the United States.
The lawmakers, including Pramila Jayapal, Ilhan Omar, Jim McGovern, Rashida Tlaib, Eleanor Holmes Norton and Jesus Garcia, raised the concerns in a letter sent on Friday ahead of Rubio’s scheduled India visit next week.
They cited student demonstrations in Delhi and other parts of India, including protests linked to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Lawmakers Seek Probe Into Protest Policing
In their letter, the Democrats alleged a pattern of wrongful detention, repression and excessive force during protests. They urged Rubio to press the Indian government to ensure thorough, transparent and independent investigations into alleged human rights violations connected to police responses.
The lawmakers also called for the release of individuals they said had been detained in violation of Indian or international law while peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Jayapal separately raised concerns about India’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing the process as a “purge” affecting 130 million voters in draft lists. She also expressed support for the CJP.
India’s Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, had criticised Jayapal’s remarks, describing them as unacceptable interference in India’s internal affairs.
Allegations of Surveillance at Indian Diplomatic Missions
The letter also called for an investigation into reports that the Indian Embassy in Washington and Indian consulates in other US cities had deployed photographers to monitor demonstrations supporting the CJP.
The lawmakers asked the US government to assess whether the alleged conduct amounted to a consistent pattern of intimidation or harassment against people in the country.
They further requested an examination of possible implications under the Arms Export Control Act, including whether the allegations could affect India’s eligibility for arms sales under US law.
India-US Relations in Focus Ahead of Rubio Visit
The lawmakers said the right to vote and the exercise of fundamental freedoms were central to the democratic identities of both countries. They urged Rubio to discuss the concerns with Indian officials during his visit.
However, the claims about protest policing and diplomatic surveillance remain allegations raised by the lawmakers in the letter. The letter calls for investigations rather than establishing that the alleged conduct occurred.
Democratic leader and former White House adviser Ajay Jain Bhutoria criticised Jayapal’s intervention, arguing that India’s courts, press and electoral system should be respected and that such criticism could affect bilateral ties.
Rubio’s upcoming meetings with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are expected to provide an opportunity for the concerns outlined in the letter to be raised.
Relevant Link: US Department of State – Official Website
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