India intensifies crackdown on youth protest participants

Police authorities in several Indian states have opened criminal cases against dozens of participants in recent youth-led demonstrations, citing violations of public order statutes and alleged incitement to violence. In parallel, major social‑media platforms have removed or restricted the accounts of many activists, citing violations of community‑guidelines policies that prohibit hate speech and the spread of misinformation. The combined legal and digital actions have been reported by rights groups as part of a broader effort to curb dissent following the protests that began in early June over educational reforms and employment concerns.

Human‑rights organisations and digital‑rights advocates say the measures have led to a surge in online abuse directed at the protesters, including coordinated harassment campaigns, threats, and the dissemination of personal data. They note that the pattern mirrors previous instances where authorities have used both criminal proceedings and platform takedowns to deter public assembly. The government, however, maintains that the steps are necessary to maintain law and order and to prevent the spread of content that could destabilise communal harmony. The situation remains under scrutiny as courts consider petitions challenging the arrests and platform actions, while activists call for greater protection of free expression online.