Kolkata, 20 July (H.S.): Trinamool Congress (Kalighat faction) chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Central government over the police action against students and youth during a protest in Delhi, saying a democratic government should respond to questions through dialogue, not with batons and tear gas.

In a statement posted on social media, Banerjee strongly condemned the police action and alleged that the government was afraid of its own students. She said that in a democracy, dissent is not a crime and that the use of force cannot be a substitute for good governance.

The nation belongs to its students, farmers, women, workers and every citizen, Banerjee said, expressing solidarity with the protesting students and youth. She added that accountability for the police action was essential.

Large numbers of students and young people participated in a march towards Parliament in New Delhi on Monday to press for reforms in the education system and raise various other demands. Following clashes between protesters and police, security personnel erected barricades and used tear gas and force to disperse the crowd.

Concluding her statement, Banerjee saluted the courage and determination of the protesting youth, saying they had shown the country the true meaning of fearlessness.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police rejected several claims circulating on social media regarding alleged assaults on protesters, describing them as misleading.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh