Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has voiced strong criticism against the actions of the police during a recent Congress-led protest in New Delhi. He alleged that the police used excessive force against students who were part of the demonstration on Monday. In statements made to the media, Kejriwal equated the government’s response to historical levels of brutality, suggesting that the country has not seen such actions before.

In his remarks, Kejriwal stated, “The brutal way the Modi government attacked our nation’s children and youth yesterday—I feel such an incident has never been witnessed in history.” He suggested that the measures taken by the current administration surpass those employed by colonial forces, specifically mentioning the British colonial era.

According to Kejriwal, evidence from social media videos shows students pleading with the police while being subjected to violence. He highlighted instances where young students were allegedly beaten without provocation, raising concerns about the treatment of protestors during the event.

Missing Protestors and Parental Concerns

Kejriwal further claimed that several parents had expressed concerns online regarding their children’s whereabouts after the protests. He indicated that many families believe their children may have been detained by the police during the unrest. This claim adds a layer of urgency to the AAP leader’s calls for accountability regarding the police’s actions during the protest.

The former Chief Minister of Delhi emphasised the emotional toll that the incident has taken on families involved. He stated that parents are worried about the safety of their children and are seeking answers about their detention, highlighting a growing concern over civil liberties during protests in the capital.

Historical comparisons were drawn by Kejriwal in his critique, where he mentioned that the level of violence displayed by the police has not been seen in India’s recent past. He referenced infamous incidents from history, suggesting that the actions taken against protestors during this event are reminiscent of severe excesses associated with colonial rule.

Details of the Protest and Ongoing Demands

The protest march towards Parliament on Monday resulted in clashes that left over 118 police personnel injured, according to police reports. Additionally, nearly 60 protestors also sustained injuries during the confrontation. The police have accused the demonstrators of engaging in violent acts, including stone-pelting and attempts to breach barricades, which allegedly led to vandalism of public property.

FIRs have been filed against unidentified individuals in connection with reports of vandalism and stone-throwing at multiple locations in the city. The protest had been organised by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), who are demanding various actions, including the resignation of the Education Minister and financial compensation for families impacted by the pressures of the NEET examination.

During the protest, the CJP delegation met with Union Health Minister JP Nadda, demanding pressing issues be addressed. While Nadda engaged with the protestors, he also urged them to end their sit-in, suggesting an openness to dialogue regarding their grievances.

One of the figures at the centre of the protests, Sonam Wangchuk, remains hospitalised following a hunger strike demanding changes to the educational policy concerning the NEET exam paper leak. His medical condition has been monitored closely, with reports indicating stability in vital signs, despite some ongoing health concerns.

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