Youth Protests Become Nationwide Movement Despite Indian Police Brutality
New Delhi: Student protests initially launched against corruption, irregularities and the leakage of examination papers in several major competitive tests have now spread from New Delhi across India. Despite police violence and baton charges, thousands of young people remain on the streets, demanding the immediate resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to videos and reports circulating widely on the social media platform X, demonstrations are continuing in nearly all Indian states, including Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal.
Arrest of Opposition Leaders Triggers Strong Reaction
According to international news outlet Al Jazeera, Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was also taken into police custody for supporting the protesters. Following his detention, several other political parties came forward in support of the students.
Statements by Political Leaders and International Organisations
Priyanka Gandhi’s Allegation: Opposition leader Priyanka Gandhi strongly criticised the actions of the security forces, saying:
“Students are being suppressed through brutal baton charges and tear-gas shelling, while female students are also being subjected to deeply unacceptable treatment.”
Mallikarjun Kharge’s Statement: Congress President and Member of Parliament Mallikarjun Kharge described the Modi government’s conduct as an open form of authoritarianism.
K. C. Venugopal’s Demand: Congress General Secretary K. C. Venugopal called on the government to immediately end its brutality against students and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Amnesty International’s Warning
“The images and videos emerging from the youth protests demonstrate that peaceful dissent in India is being suppressed through force, constituting a serious violation of fundamental human rights.”
— Amnesty International