Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly stated his desire to forgive students involved in the recent Jantar Mantar protests, where abusive language was reportedly directed at him and his late mother. Speaking in an Instagram video message on Friday, Modi characterized the students as “misguided children” and called for guidance rather than punitive measures.
Modi's Message of Forgiveness
During his address, the Prime Minister acknowledged the widespread anguish concerning the alleged NEET irregularities that fueled the demonstrations. However, he maintained that dragging students through court proceedings or imposing punishment would not resolve the underlying issues. “I want to forgive them. People make mistakes, but this is a cultural shock that our daughters are using such abusive language. We must forgive our youth who were misguided; after all, they are our children,” Modi explained. He drew an analogy, stating, “We don't disown our teeth even if they bite our tongue; both belong to us, just as our youth are our own.”
Modi urged society to embrace the youth, learn from their mistakes, and encourage them to pursue their dreams, contributing positively to nation-building. His remarks come amidst ongoing legal actions related to the controversial protests.
Legal Action Continues
Despite the Prime Minister's message of forgiveness, legal proceedings are moving forward. A Zero FIR was registered against a Noida woman for allegedly using abusive and objectionable language against PM Modi during the NEET paper leak protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The complaint, filed by a Ghaziabad resident, accuses the individual of intending to provoke public discord and disturb communal harmony.
The case, initially registered under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, has since been transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station for further investigation.
Background of the Jantar Mantar Protests
The protests at Jantar Mantar, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), concluded on July 25 after nearly five weeks of demonstrations. Thousands of students participated, joined by innovator-activist Sonam Wangchuk during his 26-day hunger strike. The agitation was a response to alleged irregularities and paper leaks in various competitive examinations, particularly the NEET.
The protests saw confrontations with police, including a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20. The movement ultimately led to the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP called off its protest after the Centre agreed to key demands, which included reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the examination system.