[Statement]
Seoul | 23 July 2026
Asia Democracy Network (ADN) strongly condemns the use of state violence against peaceful protesters and urges the Government of India to respect the constitutional and democratic right of citizens to assemble, dissent, and demand accountability. Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic governance, and ADN stands with the young people of India who are mobilizing for justice, transparency, and reform in their education system.
What began in May 2026 as a satirical response to remarks by India’s Chief Justice — who compared unemployed young people to “cockroaches and parasites of society” — rapidly expanded through social media, student networks, and wider public anger over exam paper leaks, recruitment scandals, and the lack of accountability in India’s education system. Within days of its founding, the movement had amassed over 22 million followers on Instagram, and has since moved decisively from online space to the streets.
The movement has grown into a broader youth-led mobilisation centred at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with supporters demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation for families affected by the exam scandal, an end to prosecutions of peaceful protesters, and action against corruption and abuse of authority.
ADN is alarmed by the scale of violence used against protesters on 20 July 2026, when more than 10,000 people attempted to march peacefully to Parliament as India’s parliamentary session opened. Police deployed tear gas, cane charges, and batons against demonstrators. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reported that at least 150 protesters were injured, with 70 detained and threatened with legal action. Notably, multiple videos of the crackdown show police attacking protesters. Authorities also shut down internet services in parts of Delhi during the march, restricting the ability of protesters and journalists to document and report in real time.
ADN also notes the deeply concerning treatment of educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was forcibly removed from the protest site by Delhi Police on 18 July after 21 days of hunger strike and taken to hospital against his will.
ADN further notes the responsibility of mainstream media to report responsibly and consistently on civic mobilisations of this scale. When public concern is met with silence, distortion, or selective attention, it deepens mistrust and weakens democratic accountability. Independent and fair coverage is essential, especially when peaceful youth protests are being met with force rather than dialogue.
ADN calls on the Government of India to immediately end all use of excessive force against peaceful protesters; protect the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed under Indian law and international human rights standards; release all detentions linked to peaceful protest activity; restore internet access in areas where it has been suspended; and open a transparent investigation into the conduct of security forces on 20 July. ADN also urges authorities to engage seriously and in good faith with the demands of India’s youth, whose concerns reflect not disorder but a legitimate call for dignity, reform, and accountability.
