CRI Condemns Attack on Student Protesters, Demands Independent Inquiry

NEW DELHI, July 23, 2026: The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has strongly condemned the alleged attack on student protesters in New Delhi on July 20, calling for an independent inquiry and accountability for those responsible.

In a statement signed by CRI National President Fr Saju Chackalackal CMI, Vice Presidents Bro. Santhosh CSC and Sr Maria Nirmalini AC, the organisation said students taking part in a peaceful and democratic march to Parliament were subjected to a lathi charge and tear gas. It described the action as “unprovoked and unwarranted” and said several students sustained serious injuries and required hospitalisation.

The CRI noted that hundreds of students and others have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since mid-June, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister following the cancellation of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), a key entrance examination for aspiring medical students, after a question paper leak.

The statement also noted that environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and some students have been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 in support of the protesters’ demands.

Expressing solidarity with the students, the CRI said many of its affiliated institutions run premier educational institutions across the country, while several of their students and alumni appear for competitive examinations such as NEET.

“They work very hard to achieve their goals; their angst is ours too; we stand in solidarity with them,” the statement said.

The CRI recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of ahimsa and satyagraha, which, it said, India has pledged to follow since Independence. The organisation stressed that the right to dissent, protest and march peacefully for a cause is fundamental to a healthy democracy.

Against this backdrop, the CRI called on the government to institute an independent inquiry into the alleged attacks and bring those responsible to justice. It also urged the authorities to initiate dialogue with the leaders of the protest movement and address their demands.

The organisation further called for quality education at all levels, a credible and corruption-free examination system, adequate healthcare facilities for Sonam Wangchuk and other fasting students, and protection of the constitutional and democratic right of every citizen to protest.

The statement was issued by the CRI National Office in New Delhi on July 23.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Image courtesy: The Guardian