New Delhi: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) on Friday issued a strongly worded condemnation of the police handling of student protesters at Jantar Mantar, alleging “brutal” assaults and demanding an independent probe and accountability.
In a statement signed by ICPA president Fr Suresh Mathew, the association described the use of lathi charges, tear gas and water cannons against students — including women — as “shocking, unacceptable and a matter of grave concern.” The release said reports of physical mistreatment of peaceful protesters represent a serious affront to democratic values and to the constitutional rights of young citizens.
“Students are not criminals,” the ICPA said. “They are citizens exercising their constitutional rights. No democratic government can claim to respect its young citizens while responding to their legitimate concerns with violence and intimidation.” The statement framed the protests as responses to broader anxieties about the integrity of competitive examinations, alleged question-paper leaks and the future prospects of India’s youth.
The association urged authorities to initiate an “independent, impartial and time-bound investigation” into allegations of excessive force and misconduct by law enforcement during the demonstration. It further called for those found responsible to be held accountable “regardless of rank or position,” and for the findings of any probe to be made public.
The ICPA also urged the government to protect the constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression, and to engage student representatives in transparent dialogue to address their grievances. It demanded safeguards against retaliation or harassment of protesters and reiterated calls to investigate alleged examination irregularities.
“Asking questions is not an act of rebellion,” the statement said, rejecting attempts to portray peaceful dissent as a threat to public order. The ICPA warned against framing protest as sedition and urged authorities to listen to student voices “even when their questions are uncomfortable.”
The press body appealed to journalists and media organisations to “remain vigilant and fearless” in reporting on the treatment of students and citizens by those in authority. It said the media must document the truth and “amplify the voices of the unheard,” rather than become a “silent spectator” when democratic freedoms are under strain.
The ICPA’s intervention follows days of nationwide attention on student demonstrations sparked by alleged irregularities in high-stakes examinations. Student groups and civil-society organisations have staged sit-ins and rallies at multiple locations, with several protests converging on the national capital.
Police and government officials have said they are investigating specific complaints tied to the examination process, while some authorities defended the use of force as necessary to maintain public order. Independent accounts and footage shared on social media have, however, raised questions about the proportionality of police response during the Jantar Mantar protest.
Human-rights groups and opposition parties have also criticised the handling of the demonstrations, urging restraint and accountability. The ICPA statement adds a prominent faith-based media association to the chorus demanding transparency and redress.
The association concluded by stressing the inviolability of human dignity and warning that “the answer to a student’s demand for justice cannot be a police baton.” It urged immediate engagement between authorities and student representatives and called for concrete steps to restore public confidence in democratic institutions.