RSS-affiliated student organization backs students, calls violence 'Planned'

The student protests that began on the streets of Delhi have now spread to various cities across India. Amid allegations of police crackdowns, clashes, and political tensions surrounding the demonstrations, the RSS-affiliated student organization Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has now broken its silence. While expressing concern over the demands of the protesting students and the question paper leak incidents, the organization has also blamed "planned provocation" for the recent violence.

Tensions have escalated further around the ongoing student protests centered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Last Monday, during the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP)-announced march to Parliament, clashes broke out between protesters and police in the capital. During this time, allegations of various forms of crackdown, including beatings, were leveled against Delhi Police.

In this context, the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has issued a statement. The organization expressed concern over the clashes between protesters and police at Jantar Mantar and condemned the violence.

In a statement, the ABVP said that the chaos, disruption to public life, and clashes at Jantar Mantar during the recent protests demanding reforms in the NEET-UG examination and education system are deplorable. The organization claimed that this violence was "planned and provoked." It also noted that the injuries to students and security force members during these events are worrying.

At the same time, the ABVP demanded the formation of a high-level government investigation or review committee to ensure transparency in competitive examinations. The organization stated that it stands with students against irregularities in exams, including the recently canceled NEET-UG exam held in May over allegations of paper leaks.

The statement further said that the legitimate grievances and concerns of students must be resolved through meaningful dialogue, a compassionate approach, and institutional reforms.

However, while expressing support for the demands of the movement, the ABVP also alleged that "malicious political interests" were behind the violence that spread at Jantar Mantar on July 20. That was the day the CJP-called march toward Parliament took place.

The ABVP's statement emphasized that students' genuine problems and legitimate demands should not be used as tools for narrow political purposes, anti-national activities, or to create instability and conflict in the country.

Source: Hindustan Times