Social activist Anna Hazare has formally communicated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing his anguish regarding the violence and police actions experienced by protesting students in New Delhi. In his letter dated July 22, Hazare implored the central government to pursue constructive dialogue rather than resorting to the suppression of democratic expressions. He underscored the need for a more sensitive approach towards student grievances.

Hazare’s correspondence particularly addressed the challenges surrounding the NEET examination, exacerbated by reported systemic failures. He observed that the public discontent resulting from paper leaks, ongoing recruitment delays, and rising unemployment should be perceived as a collective societal grief rather than simply a disruption of law and order.

The seasoned activist expressed his support for the ongoing agitation led by students and parents, who have been rallying for the resignation of the education minister due to NEET irregularities. He argued that accountability at the highest levels of government would not only enhance effectiveness but also reinforce trust across various sectors without diminishing government authority.

Criticism of Recent Police Actions

Hazare expressed his dismay over the heavy-handed police responses and violence that has recently transpired in Delhi, characterising these actions as profoundly distressing. He referred to incidents involving more than 2.2 million candidates affected by NEET paper leaks in 2024 and 2026, noting the tragic reports of 22 student suicides attributed to despair over these circumstances.

In his letter, Hazare condemned the trend of placing blame on low-ranking officials while higher authorities claim credit for any successes. He asserted that the recent refusal of the government to engage in meaningful dialogue before forcibly removing activist Sonam Wangchuk from his protest site contradicted democratic principles.

He emphasised the importance of dialogue in a democratic society, stating, “Listening patiently to the people, creating an atmosphere of trust, and finding solutions through positive dialogue is the real test of democracy.” Hazare invoked the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, urging the government to adhere to the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.

Wangchuk’s Indefinite Fast and Legal Assurance Demand

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has entered the 25th day of his indefinite fast, has issued a demand for the Central Government to provide assurances that no punitive or retaliatory legal actions will be taken against protestors affiliated with the Cockroach Janata Party’s ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest. Wangchuk’s fast commenced to advocate for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan concerning the NEET-UG paper leak incident.

In a statement released via social media platform X, Wangchuk insisted that the protestors should not be viewed as offenders for advocating for a fair education system. He made it clear that their sole ‘offence’ was raising their voices in pursuit of accountability within the education framework.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have reportedly registered ten FIRs related to the protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party in the national capital. The Delhi High Court has taken notice of three public interest litigations alleging excessive force used by police during the protests. The court has instructed the authorities to preserve all relevant electronic records, including CCTV footage, related to these events.

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