On September 28, 2022, police fired teargas and water cannons at peaceful student protesters from the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT).

Approximately 150 students held a rally protesting ongoing issues concerning the university’s accreditation status with the government. Students sat on a main road during the demonstration, blocking traffic, and police were called to disperse them. Police fired water cannons at students who were holding the sit-in and later resorted to tear gas. According to Andaman Sheekha, police detained as many as 30 students; however, SAR has not identified additional sources noting this.

Scholars at Risk is concerned by the use of force in response to a nonviolent student protest. While state security forces have a responsibility to maintain order and safety, they must also exercise restraint and refrain from disproportionate actions that may result in unnecessary harm. In addition to the harm to the immediate victims, the use of force against student protesters undermines academic freedom and democratic society generally.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
Andaman Chronicle; Andaman Sheekha
http://www.andamansheekha.com/108403/
http://www.andamansheekha.com/108420/
https://www.andamanchronicle.net/index.php/24792-various-organisations-join-together-for-an-andaman-bandh-today-against-the-atrocities-committed-on-dbrait-students
http://www.uniindia.com/~/dbrait-student-crisis-andaman-cs-forms-high-level-committee-of-senior-officers/States/news/2833283.html
https://twitter.com/iam_abdulnazeer/status/1575210309073006592
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsDAudiU_10