New Delhi, India – A significant number of students from Maharashtra participating in a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi have alleged facing a severe crackdown by authorities, including the use of water cannons and excessive force. The protest, which has been ongoing for several days, reportedly saw demonstrators denied basic amenities such as water and food, with some protesters claiming to have sustained injuries.
Allegations of Excessive Force and Disruption
More than 650 students from Maharashtra were reportedly present at the Jantar Mantar protest site. Participants have claimed that Delhi Police and other state agencies used water cannons to disperse the crowd in the early hours of the day. Allegations also include the deliberate stoppage of food and water supplies, leaving demonstrators without essential provisions for extended periods. Several students on hunger strike reportedly suffered due to the lack of water.
Protesters recounted facing difficulties in reaching the protest site, with reports of metro trains not stopping at stations near Jantar Mantar and cabs being hard to find. Some individuals also claimed that internet connectivity was disrupted, making it challenging to communicate or share updates about the events unfolding. Government messages about an internet ban were reportedly received on protesters’ phones, and platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram experienced disruptions.
Injuries and Calls for Inquiry
Student leaders and participants have described the actions as inhumane and a violation of the right to peaceful protest. There are claims of brutal lathi-charges by the Delhi Police, with allegations that women and minors were among those injured. Student bodies have condemned the actions and are demanding an independent inquiry into the events. They are calling for the immediate restoration of water and food access, the release of any detained students, and an end to what they term the criminalization of dissent.
Political reactions have been varied, with some opposition leaders condemning the alleged police action as an assault on democracy, while certain political figures from Maharashtra have dismissed the protest as politically motivated drama. The Delhi High Court is reportedly set to hear a public interest litigation concerning the alleged excessive use of force by the police during the protest march.
The protests at Jantar Mantar have been ongoing, demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak, and calling for the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
The Chenab Times News Desk