Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah has strongly condemned the alleged use of force against students during the recent protests in Delhi, expressing anger and solidarity with the demonstrators. In an emotional video message shared on social media, the National Award-winning actor criticized the police action and urged young protesters not to lose hope.
Naseeruddin Shah Reacts With Anger
The video surfaced a day after Delhi Police reportedly used lathicharge and tear gas to disperse protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Chalo Sansad” march in the national capital.
Speaking in Urdu, Naseeruddin Shah said he was deeply hurt by the visuals of students being beaten during the protest. He remarked that watching young people being treated with such force left him “boiling with anger.”
In his statement, Shah compared the masked personnel carrying batons to officers from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying the images reminded him of aggressive crackdowns seen abroad. He also appealed to those involved in the action to think about their own families and the consequences of their actions.
Message to the Students
While expressing outrage, the veteran actor also offered words of encouragement to the protesting students. He urged them not to give up despite the challenges they are facing.
Shah said that many people across the country stand with the students and support their cause. He added that he has always believed in the country’s youth and that recent events have only strengthened his faith in their determination and courage.
His message ended with an assurance that the students were not alone and that many citizens continue to stand in solidarity with them.
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What Happened During the Protest?
The protests intensified on Monday when members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups marched towards Parliament in Delhi.
According to Delhi Police, the protesters violated prohibitory orders, ignored repeated warnings to disperse, and allegedly turned aggressive during the demonstration. Officials maintained that police action was taken to restore law and order.
However, protesters have disputed the police version, alleging that security personnel used excessive force without provocation. Several participants claimed they suffered injuries during the lathicharge, while videos circulating on social media appeared to show police using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Some protesters also alleged that individuals dressed in civilian clothes, without visible police identification, assaulted demonstrators during the chaos.
Why Are the Protests Taking Place?
The protests have been continuing for more than two weeks over allegations of irregularities in the education system, particularly claims surrounding examination leaks, including the NEET exam.
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement earlier this month by beginning a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in support of the demands raised by the protesters.
On Tuesday, representatives of the protestors held discussions with members of the central government, but no breakthrough was announced, and demonstrations continued.
The same day, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, along with several Congress leaders, staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence before being detained by Delhi Police.
Debate Continues
Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks have added another prominent voice to the ongoing debate over the handling of student protests. While authorities maintain that police acted within the law to control the situation, protesters and several public figures have questioned the use of force against students exercising their right to demonstrate.
As the protests continue, the issue remains at the centre of national political and public discussion, with calls for accountability, dialogue, and a peaceful resolution growing louder.
