NEW DELHI — Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) on Monday criticised the police action against students and youth protesting near Jantar Mantar over the ongoing education crisis, urging the Centre to open dialogue with the demonstrators instead of responding with force.
In a statement, JIH Vice President Prof. Salim Engineer expressed concern over reports of baton charge, tear gas and the detention of protesters during the march towards Parliament, saying such measures were inconsistent with the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
“The manner in which peaceful protesters have been met with police aggression instead of constructive dialogue is deeply regrettable,” Prof. Engineer said.
“A democratic government should respond to the voice of its youth with dialogue and empathy, not barricades, tear gas, lathi charge and mass detentions.”
He said the reported use of force against students and young people raising concerns about the education system sent an “unfortunate message” and risked weakening public confidence in democratic institutions.
Prof. Engineer also praised the participation of students and youth in the protests, describing it as a sign that young people remained deeply concerned about the future of education in the country.
“The participation of thousands of young people demonstrates that India’s youth remain committed to the future of the country’s education system. Their concern for transparency, fairness and accountability deserves appreciation,” he said.
At the same time, he appealed to the protesters to continue their movement peacefully and maintain discipline and non-violence, saying peaceful movements carry greater moral strength and public support.
The JIH leader urged the Union Government to immediately begin talks with representatives of the protesting students and order an impartial inquiry into the reported incidents of police excesses. He also called for accountability wherever the use of excessive force is established.
Prof. Engineer further urged the government to undertake comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence in the examination system and improve transparency in educational institutions.
Describing educational justice as a national issue, he appealed to Members of Parliament, political parties, educationists, civil society groups and citizens to support efforts aimed at building a fair, transparent and accountable education system.
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said it stood in solidarity with students, parents, teachers and educationists in what it described as their legitimate struggle for a more transparent and credible education system.
