All India Catholic Union decries police crackdown on election protesters

The All India Catholic Union (AICU) expressed grave alarm regarding a police crackdown on protesters demanding the resignation of India's chief election official. The lay organization, which represents Catholics from the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara Churches, called for the immediate release of all protesters detained during demonstrations against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The AICU stated that police actions, including mass detentions and prohibitory orders, appear intended to intimidate protesters rather than protect them. The group appealed for an independent judicial inquiry into police excesses, specifically noting the treatment of women, journalists, and lawyers.

To address the situation, the AICU requested that the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi be restored as a site for peaceful assembly. The organization also called for the protection of press freedom, the impartial functioning of the Election Commission of India, and a dialogue between the government, opposition parties, and civil society to restore constitutional trust.