CBCI Condemns Lathi-Charge, Tear Gas Use Against Students During Delhi ‘Sansad March’

New Delhi, July 21, 2026: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has condemned the use of force against students who took part in a ‘Sansad March’ in Delhi, expressing concern over the reported lathi-charge and use of tear gas during the protest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the CBCI said it was “deeply anguished” by the action against the protesting students and described the use of force against those expressing their demands peacefully as a matter of serious concern.

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The bishops’ body said the students had taken to the streets seeking greater accountability and reforms in the education system. It said their demands represented legitimate concerns that should be addressed through democratic engagement and dialogue rather than through what it termed “disproportionate force.”

“The CBCI stands firmly united with all the students who faced this harrowing brutality,” the statement said, adding that the organisation supported their call for a transparent and just education system.

The CBCI also expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who, according to the statement, has been undertaking a prolonged hunger strike in support of education-related reforms. The bishops’ body said it was concerned about Wangchuk’s well-being following his admission to Safdarjung Hospital.

The organisation urged the authorities to consider Wangchuk’s demands with “compassion and understanding” and called for an end to what it described as a repressive approach to addressing public grievances.

The CBCI appealed to the government to initiate meaningful dialogue with the protesters and other stakeholders to resolve the issues raised by them. It also called on the authorities to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and respect the right to peaceful expression and democratic dissent.

The statement comes amid growing public debate over demands for reforms in the education sector and the manner in which protests and dissent are handled by authorities.

The CBCI, the apex body representing the Catholic bishops of India, said the government should respond to the concerns raised by citizens through democratic processes and ensure that peaceful protests are met with dialogue rather than force.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image Courtesy: Manish Swarup/AP