NESO has condemned the alleged use of force by police against students protesting in New Delhi.
DIMAPUR — The North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) has condemned the alleged use of force by police against students participating in a peaceful protest in New Delhi on July 20.
In a press statement, NESO expressed concern over reports of baton charges, the use of tear gas and the deployment of plainclothes personnel armed with lathis against unarmed protesters, describing the actions as an assault on democratic values and the constitutional right of citizens to peacefully assemble and express their grievances.
The organisation criticised the Government of India for what it termed an insensitive approach to an issue affecting millions of students and young aspirants across the country.
Instead of engaging with the concerns of students through dialogue and constructive measures, the authorities allegedly resorted to repression and intimidation, NESO stated.
According to NESO, the grievances raised by the students — including repeated competitive examination paper leaks and the demand for greater transparency, accountability, fairness and integrity in recruitment and examination systems — are legitimate and require immediate attention.
It stated that the aspirations and hard work of deserving students should not be undermined by systemic failures, corruption or administrative negligence.
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NESO expressed solidarity with all students who participated in the peaceful movement and conveyed concern for those who sustained injuries during the police action.
The organisation wished the injured students a speedy recovery and reaffirmed its support for their pursuit of justice and institutional reforms.
The organisation also appealed to the Government of India to address the students’ concerns through sincere dialogue, ensure accountability for any excessive use of force and implement comprehensive reforms to restore the credibility, transparency and integrity of the country’s examination and recruitment systems.