HRDS INDIA is deeply disturbed by the incidents of violence, vandalism and injuries to security personnel that occurred during the recent Gen Z-led protests in the national capital.
According to official statements issued by Delhi Police, a section of protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour. They attacked police personnel with stones and other objects, vandalised official vehicles, and resorted to large-scale violence that resulted in injuries to a significant number of officers, including senior and women personnel. Public and private property was also damaged during the unrest.
HRDS INDIA unequivocally condemns every act of violence, every attack on those entrusted with maintaining public order, and every instance of destruction of property. Such actions have no place in a democratic society and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
India is a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law. The right to peaceful protest and the freedom to express legitimate concerns are fundamental rights available to every citizen, including students and young people. HRDS INDIA fully respects and supports the right of students to articulate their aspirations and grievances through peaceful, lawful and democratic means.
However, the moment a protest turns into aggression, stone-pelting, vandalism or assault on police personnel, it ceases to be democratic dissent and becomes a challenge to public order and the authority of the State. Nothing — neither the intensity of any demand nor the passion of any movement — can be allowed to supersede the supremacy of law and the maintenance of peace and order. Law and order form the basic foundation without which no right can be meaningfully exercised and no progress can be sustained.
HRDS INDIA firmly opposes any attempt by foreign-funded organisations or external elements to exploit the genuine concerns of students and push them towards unrest. We need to look into the funding from hard-core groups and overseas sources. A thorough inquiry must identify who funded the violence and disruption aimed at destabilising the country, and ensure full accountability under the law.
HRDS INDIA places its full confidence in the institutions of the State, including the Delhi Police and the larger framework of governance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to uphold the Constitution, protect public property and ensure that justice is delivered impartially. Those who resorted to violence must be identified and proceeded against strictly in accordance with the law. At the same time, genuine and peaceful participants must be clearly distinguished from elements that chose the path of aggression or sought to disrupt public order.
The Prime Minister himself came forward on social media through direct video messages addressed to the youth, assuring strict action against those responsible for the examination paper leaks and announcing measures including the establishment of fast-track courts. HRDS INDIA appreciates these efforts, as well as the work of the security agencies who discharged their duties under challenging circumstances while working to protect citizens and public assets.
HRDS INDIA stands for harmony, constitutional values, national unity and constructive nation-building. We urge all stakeholders to reject violence in every form, protect public property, remain vigilant against external interference, and resolve differences through dialogue and democratic processes under the overarching framework of the rule of law
