Student unrest in India escalates, police intervention in Delhi

Tensions have significantly escalated in Delhi, as law enforcement agencies have called on thousands of protesting students to end their strike and leave the Jantar Mantar area.

Witnesses on the ground report that police officers arrived equipped with riot control gear and, through loudspeakers, asked the demonstrators to disperse, on the grounds that they lacked authorization to remain in that space.

The protest, which had until that moment maintained a peaceful atmosphere, quickly degenerated after the police began pushing some of those present. Confusion broke out at the scene, with the crowd running in all directions.

Students are demanding fundamental changes in the education system and have expressed deep concern over the organization of exams, as well as accusations of leaks of the national NEET test papers.

Meanwhile, leading Indian opposition figures have expressed solidarity with the youth and have strongly condemned the intervention of law enforcement forces. Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge described the use of force against students as ‘aggression against democracy,’ while other opposition lawmakers insisted that the demonstrators be treated with dignity.

MP Shashi Tharoor also reacted, criticizing police actions and questioning why physical pressure is being exerted on a protest he described as non-violent.

The clash at Jantar Mantar coincides with a period when the Indian executive is under increased pressure to account for the administration of the exam season and claims of irregularities in the education system.