Aparna Sen backs Indian student protesters, condemns police action
Indian filmmaker Aparna Sen has voiced support for the students taking part in the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests, saying their peaceful resistance restored her faith in democratic dissent and moved her to tears.
Her remarks came after thousands of protesters marched from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament on Monday, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education sector, including the alleged NEET exam paper leaks.
According to Hindustan Times, around 50,000 people joined the march. The protest was met with a police crackdown after demonstrators attempted to move towards Parliament. Security forces used lathi charges and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Sharing a video on Instagram, Sen said the students had reminded her of the true meaning of democracy. “My name is Aparna Sen. I just want to say that last night I learnt from our students the meaning of democratic dissent. I learnt from them how to believe in the constitution and work according to it. I had become like many of us, so de-moralised, so depressed, so de-spirited, thinking what is the use of protesting against anything. What is the use of asking for anything that we deem as democratic right…”
She continued, “These students gave me a glimmer of hope. They showed me it can be done. They believed in the democratic way, they protested peacefully, non violently, totally in accordance with the constitution and believed that they would be heard. This was so moving that I… all of last night, I just wept. I thought to myself how brave, how resilient, how courageous these children are! What a lesson we can learn from them. All I could think was blessing them with all my heart and saying ‘shabaash’ (bravo)! We can learn from you, thank you!”
In the caption of her post, Sen condemned the reported use of force against the protesters. She wrote, “20th July was an unforgettable night! Our children showed us the way when we had become blase. Today I feel outraged at the way those unarmed kids were beaten up! How dare they! How dare they hurt the future of our nation? Some of those kids will be our future leaders, doctors, scientists, educators and artists! And we beat them up instead of nurturing them! This is unacceptable! The nation must stand in solidarity with them. It is now or never.”
Delhi Police said the protesters displayed “unruly, aggressive, and violent behaviour” and ignored repeated warnings to disperse despite prohibitory orders being in force.
The protesters disputed the police account. They alleged that officers used excessive force, including lathi charges and tear gas, leaving several people injured. They also claimed that individuals in civilian clothes, without police identification, attacked demonstrators. Videos circulating on social media appear to show police personnel using force against the crowd.
The CJP-led protests have continued for more than two weeks over allegations of irregularities in the education sector, particularly the alleged NEET paper leaks. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement earlier this month and began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the protesters.
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