New Delhi:
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticised the Central government over the police action against student protesters, alleging that excessive force had been used and describing the incident as a “deeply disturbing attack” on the country’s youth.
In a strongly worded statement, Kejriwal accused the Narendra Modi-led government of resorting to what he termed “brutal action” against students, drawing a historical comparison to some of the darkest chapters of India’s colonial past. He alleged that the manner in which the protesters were handled reflected an unprecedented use of force against young citizens.
“The treatment meted out to these children is deeply shameful,” Kejriwal said, while claiming that even during British rule, freedom fighters had not faced such treatment. Referring to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, he further alleged that the actions taken against the students had crossed democratic and moral limits.
The AAP leader also announced that his party would extend legal and medical assistance to students affected during the police action. He urged any student requiring immediate support to contact a dedicated helpline established by the party, assuring that the “best possible legal team” would be made available to represent them.
Emphasising solidarity with the protesters, Kejriwal said the party would stand firmly with every affected student and ensure that those requiring legal representation or medical care receive assistance without delay.
He further claimed that 11 students had been detained at Delhi’s Mandir Marg Police Station following the protest. Kejriwal said he was heading to the police station to seek their release and to meet officials regarding their detention.
The former Chief Minister also alleged that the party had received information about a missing student after the protest. He said AAP leaders were in constant touch with the police in an effort to ascertain the student’s whereabouts and ensure his or her safety.
Appealing directly to students and their families, Kejriwal urged them not to panic, reiterating that the party would provide every possible legal and humanitarian support. He maintained that the issue would be pursued through democratic and legal means and assured affected families that they would not be left to face the situation alone.
The remarks come amid heightened political tension over the handling of student demonstrations, with opposition parties questioning the use of force by law enforcement agencies, while the authorities are yet to issue a detailed response to the allegations made by the AAP leadership.
The developments are expected to intensify the political debate over the management of public protests and the treatment of demonstrators, particularly students, as both the ruling establishment and opposition parties continue to trade charges over the incident.
