India, July 26 -- The United Nations has said it is "aware" of the students' demonstrations in New Delhi and that it is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without any fear of harassment, arrest or injury.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, was replying to a question on Friday about the UN's position on the youth-led protests in India. "We're obviously very much aware of the protests that we've seen in New Delhi," said Dujarric. "It is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without the fear of harassment, the fear of arrest, or the fear of injury."

He also said it is incumbent on security forces, "there as it is everywhere," to ensure ...