Who Approved Pellet Guns? Rahul Writes to Shah Over ‘Barbaric’ Assault on Students

The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters in India’s capital has once again highlighted the government’s willingness to crush dissent rather than engage with it. On July 20, security forces deployed at Jantar Mantar, a historic protest site in Delhi, unleashed pellet guns on students protesting against paper leaks in the NEET-UG exams.

The brutality of this incident, which left several protesters injured and one student likely to lose an eye, has sent shockwaves across the country. Rahul Gandhi’s letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding accountability for the assault is a much-needed call to action.

However, it is only one part of a larger story that speaks to a deeper malaise afflicting Indian democracy. The government’s response to student protests has been consistently heavy-handed, with an overemphasis on force and repression rather than dialogue and negotiation. This approach raises serious questions about the Home Minister’s approval process for security forces.

Did Amit Shah explicitly sanction the use of lethal force in this case? If not, who gave the order? These are legitimate questions that need to be answered, not just for the sake of transparency but also to hold those responsible accountable. The government’s responsibility to protect protesters and resolve grievances through dialogue cannot be overstated.

Peaceful protest is the lifeblood of any democracy, and it is the government’s duty to create an environment where citizens can express themselves freely without fear of violence or reprisal. The incident at Jantar Mantar is not an isolated one but rather a symptom of a broader pattern of state repression against student protests.

In recent years, we have seen a rise in police brutality and the use of force against peaceful protesters, often with impunity. The Modi government’s response to dissent has been characterized by a lack of empathy and understanding, with a consistent attempt to suppress voices that challenge its agenda.

The fact that more than 118 police personnel were injured during the scuffle, including senior officers, is a testament to the level of force deployed against protesters. This raises serious questions about the training and deployment of security forces in India’s capital. Are they equipped to handle peaceful protests, or are they being used as a tool for repression?

The proposed amendment to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, is also worth noting in this context. While it aims to strengthen anti-paper leak laws, its timing and content raise suspicions about the government’s intentions. Is this move an attempt to further suppress dissent by making peaceful protest even more difficult?

The future of Indian democracy hangs in the balance as we watch these events unfold. Will the government continue to prioritize repression over engagement, or will it take a step back and listen to the voices of its citizens? The world is watching, and it’s time for India to get its house in order.

As the country teeters on the brink of another major crisis, one thing is clear: the Modi government’s response to dissent has been consistently tone-deaf and heavy-handed. It’s time for a change, not just in policy but also in attitude. The future of Indian democracy depends on it.