By Matters India Reporter
New Delhi, 25, 2026: The Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA) has issued a strong condemnation of what it called a “brutal assault on students” during a recent protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability and justice for those affected.
“The reported use of excessive force against young citizens exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest is shocking, unacceptable and a matter of grave concern for every person who values democracy, justice and human dignity,” the ICPA said in a press release dated July 24.
Students’ Rights and Democratic Freedoms
The association emphasized that “students are not criminals. They are citizens exercising their constitutional rights. They have every right to question authority, demand accountability and raise their voices on issues that directly affect their education, careers and future.”
The ICPA expressed alarm at reports of “lathi charges, tear gas, water cannons and alleged physical mistreatment of protesters, including women.” It added: “The police exist to protect citizens, not to assault them. The uniform is not a licence for brutality.”
Concerns Over Education Integrity
The press body linked the protests to wider concerns about India’s education system, noting that “questions relating to the integrity of competitive examinations, alleged question-paper leaks, accountability within the education system and the future of India’s youth demand transparent answers and credible action.”
“It is profoundly disturbing that students who should be preparing for their future are instead being forced to take to the streets to demand justice and accountability,” the statement said.
Call for Investigation and Accountability
Rejecting attempts to portray the protests as a threat to public order, the ICPA declared: “Dissent is not a crime. Protest is not sedition. Asking questions is not an act of rebellion. A healthy democracy must have the courage to listen to its young citizens, even when their questions are uncomfortable.”
The association demanded “an independent, impartial and time-bound investigation into the alleged police assault and the conduct of law enforcement personnel during the protest. Any individual found responsible for excessive force, assault, abuse or misconduct must be held accountable under the law, regardless of rank or position.”
Specific Demands to Authorities
The ICPA outlined several urgent steps for the government:
- “Immediately investigate the alleged brutal assault on students and make the findings public.”
- “Fix responsibility for any unlawful or excessive use of force.”
- “Ensure justice for students and protesters who were allegedly assaulted or mistreated.”
- “Safeguard the constitutional right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression.”
- “Address the legitimate concerns of students through transparent dialogue rather than repression.”
- “Investigate allegations of examination irregularities and question-paper leaks and ensure accountability wherever wrongdoing is established.”
- “Guarantee that no student will face retaliation, intimidation or harassment for exercising democratic rights.”
Role of the Press
The association also urged journalists to remain vigilant: “The press must not become a silent spectator when democratic freedoms are threatened. It is the duty of journalism to document the truth, amplify the voices of the unheard and hold institutions accountable.”
“The Indian Catholic Press Association believes that the dignity of every human person is inviolable. The young people of India deserve a future built on justice, transparency, merit and hope—not fear, intimidation and violence,” the statement said.
“The answer to a student’s demand for justice cannot be a police baton. The response to dissent cannot be brutality. And the voice of India’s youth cannot be silenced by force.”
The ICPA concluded by urging authorities to “immediately engage with student representatives, address their grievances in good faith and take concrete measures to restore public confidence in democratic institutions.”
“India’s youth are not the problem. Ignoring their voices is,” said ICPA President Father Suresh Mathew.