The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has condemned the police action against students who participated in the July 20 protest in New Delhi, alleging that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators was an assault on democratic rights.
In a press statement issued on Friday, NESO criticised the reported baton charge, use of tear gas and deployment of plainclothes personnel armed with lathis during the protest, and called on the Government of India to address students’ concerns through dialogue rather than force.
The organisation said the grievances raised by the protesters, including repeated leaks of competitive examination question papers and demands for greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the country’s examination and recruitment systems, were legitimate and required immediate attention.
NESO alleged that instead of engaging with the students, the authorities had resorted to “repression and intimidation,” and urged the Centre to initiate meaningful dialogue with the aggrieved students.
Expressing solidarity with the protesters, the organisation also conveyed concern for those who were injured during the police action and wished them a speedy recovery.
NESO further called on the Government of India to ensure accountability for the alleged excessive use of force and implement comprehensive reforms to restore the credibility, transparency and integrity of the country’s examination and recruitment systems.
The statement was jointly issued by NESO Chairman Samuel B Jyrwa and Secretary General Mutsikhoyo Yhobu.
