Mangaluru: The alleged use of force by police against students protesting examinations scheduled during the Dasara festival holidays has drawn condemnation, with demands for an inquiry into the incident and the suspension of officials accused of assaulting students.
The condemnation statement described the alleged police action against students who raised slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ as unacceptable and called for accountability from the police and administrative authorities.
It said conducting examinations during the Dasara holidays had prompted students to raise their concerns, and argued that students in a democratic system had the right to express their grievances through peaceful protests and lawful demonstrations.
Questions raised over police action
The statement sought clarification from the concerned authorities on who had issued orders for the alleged physical assault on students. It called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be examined and responsibility to be fixed.
It also criticised the handling of the situation by the administration and the police, arguing that officials should have sought to resolve the dispute through dialogue and restraint, particularly during the festive period.
The statement said the authorities should have considered students’ concerns over the examination schedule and worked towards a solution that respected both their academic commitments and religious sentiments.
Demand for suspension of officials
The statement demanded the immediate suspension of officials accused of assaulting and intimidating students in Mangaluru.
It also urged elected representatives and senior government officials to intervene without delay, ensure that the allegations were investigated and provide an appropriate response to the students’ grievances.
The demand comes amid concerns over examinations scheduled during the Dasara festival and the handling of student protests against the timetable. The statement called for the authorities to address the dispute through a transparent process and ensure that students’ concerns are heard.