Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has strongly criticized the police action against protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Expressing his support for the students participating in the Chalo Sansad March, Shah said he was deeply disturbed by the way they were treated. His remarks came after the police lathi charge during Monday’s protest, which took place just days after activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site.
Naseeruddin Shah Extends Support to Protesting Students
In a video shared on social media, Naseeruddin Shah expressed his concern and anger over the alleged treatment of the protesting students.
He said, “I want to say two things. If an ignorant person leads a country, they would want the entire nation to become as ignorant, insensitive, and merciless as they are. After studying at the National School of Drama (NSD) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), I learned some of life’s most valuable lessons from the students and educated individuals I once tried to teach.”
Shah further said that the reported treatment of the protesters had left him both emotional and outraged.
He added, “My heart is heavy, and my blood boils when I see how our young people are being treated. Those responsible remind me of masked agents carrying batons. Think about your own children as well. One day, everyone has to face the consequences of their actions.”
‘Do Not Lose Hope,’ Shah Tells Students
Naseeruddin Shah also urged the students to remain strong and continue their struggle.
He said, “Many people stand with you and sympathize with your fight. Keep fighting. I have always had great faith in the youth of this country, and that faith has only become stronger. I also want to tell the government just one thing—Sab Yaad Rakha Jayega (Everything will be remembered).”
What Happened at Jantar Mantar?
The situation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar turned tense on Monday after police carried out a lathi charge during the Chalo Sansad March, drawing criticism from several public figures.
The protest was held a few days after activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from the protest site and shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Wangchuk, along with the protesting students and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other claimed irregularities in the examination process.