The excessive use of force by security forces was the subject of communications by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders in 2008 and 2010 (IND 21/2008 and IND 18/2010, respectively).

In several locations, protesters tried to break the siege and reportedly threw rocks at security forces. Government forces responded with teargas, pellet guns and live ammunition. Indian security forces in charge of quelling the protests were comprised of armed forces, paramilitary bodies and border police, many of whom allegedly lacked appropriate training and equipment for the management of assemblies. Over 36 protesters and bystanders were reportedly killed and several hundreds injured in the clashes between protesters and security forces between 9 and 14 July 2016, many as the result of live ammunition and pellets fired indiscriminately at street protestors. Over 100 individuals reportedly received pellets in their eyes which have caused serious injuries and permanent disabilities. Medical professionals have indicated that over 40 of them, still hospitalized, suffer severe eye trauma and will not regain eyesight. There have been 110 security personnel reportedly injured in the protests and one police official drowned when protesters pushed his vehicle into a river.