New Delhi, 01 August (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for restraint and compassion following the use of abusive language against him during the recent student protests at Jantar Mantar, saying that anger and punishment are not the solution and that misguided young people should be guided rather than condemned.

In a video message released late Friday night, the Prime Minister referred to the incident at Jantar Mantar, where a section of protesters allegedly used offensive language against him and his late mother. He described the remarks as unacceptable in a civilised society but said he did not believe that retaliation or harsh punishment would help resolve the situation.

What happened at Jantar Mantar has been witnessed by the entire country and the world. Some misguided youngsters used language that has no place in any civilised society. I was abused, and even my late mother was abused, the Prime Minister said.

Emphasising reconciliation over retribution,PM Modi said that mistakes made in youth should be treated as opportunities for learning and reform. He acknowledged the anger prevailing in society but urged people to embrace the young protesters and help them find the right path.

Abuses never solve anything. Let us guide those who have lost their way. Let us work together. Let us work for Bharat, he said, adding that he personally wished to forgive those responsible and requested society to adopt the same approach.

The Prime Minister stressed that taking young people through prolonged legal proceedings or subjecting them to harassment would not address the underlying issues. Instead, he said, constructive engagement and guidance would be a more meaningful response.

His remarks came days after a case was registered against a 25-year-old woman over allegedly objectionable remarks made during a protest linked to the alleged examination paper leak issue. A Zero FIR was initially registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita before being transferred to the Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi for further investigation.

Responding to the legal action, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which organised the protest, said that while objectionable language could be addressed through civil or criminal defamation proceedings, criminal action against protesters solely over their remarks was unwarranted.

The Prime Minister's message comes amid continuing political debate over the student protests, the recently enacted anti-paper leak law, and the government's handling of demonstrations related to alleged examination irregularities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar