Sirsa Member of Parliament, former Union Minister, Congress General Secretary and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Kumari Selja has expressed deep concern over reports of alleged police action, arrests and criminal cases against students during protests in different parts of the country. She said that in a healthy democracy, it is the government’s responsibility to listen to students rather than suppress their voices through force.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Selja said students have every democratic right to raise concerns related to their education, employment opportunities and future through peaceful means. Instead of adopting a confrontational approach, governments should initiate dialogue and build trust with the youth.

Referring to media reports from Bihar and several other states, Selja said allegations of excessive use of force, registration of numerous FIRs and arrests of students are deeply disturbing. She asserted that if there has been any violation of law or disproportionate use of force by authorities, an impartial and transparent inquiry should be conducted, and those found responsible must face appropriate action.

“Democracy cannot treat dissent as a crime. The concerns of young people deserve to be heard with sensitivity and seriousness,” she said.

The Congress leader noted that the Central Government had previously assured students that their grievances would be addressed and justice would be ensured. However, she said the present situation appears inconsistent with those assurances. According to Selja, the government should move away from confrontation and take concrete steps to restore confidence among students by engaging in meaningful dialogue.

She stressed that transparency in the education system, fairness in examinations, equal opportunities and protection of students’ future should remain among the government’s highest priorities. The country’s progress, she said, depends on an education system that is credible, transparent and responsive to the aspirations of young people.

Highlighting the importance of Parliament in a democratic setup, Selja said it is the highest platform for democratic debate and accountability. If the Opposition raises issues concerning students inside Parliament, she said, the government should respond with facts, sensitivity and constructive discussion instead of creating unnecessary confrontation.

“Democracy is strengthened through dialogue, transparency and accountability—not through intimidation or suppression,” she remarked.

Calling for immediate corrective measures, Selja demanded a fair review of all cases registered against students, an end to what she termed unnecessary punitive action, and an independent investigation into allegations of violence during student protests. She also urged the government to take effective steps to restore the confidence of young people, saying that the future of India’s youth must remain above political differences.

She reiterated that students represent the nation’s future and that their voices should be respected rather than silenced. Governments, she said, have a constitutional and moral responsibility to protect democratic rights while ensuring that public concerns are addressed through dialogue and institutional mechanisms.

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 POD/DESK