Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday threw his weight behind the students who protested over alleged irregularities in the education system, accusing the government of using force and intimidation to silence them. Addressing a press conference alongside young protesters from different states, Gandhi alleged that a 15-year-old girl was forced to apologise after “goons” were sent to the homes of protesters.
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“We had a freewheeling conversation with some of the young protesters. They told me how they were assaulted, beaten and threatened,” Gandhi said, adding that he was “very proud” of the students for standing up for their future.
Describing the protesters as defenders of the Constitution and the “idea of India”, the Congress MP said they had done nothing wrong by questioning what he called a “flawed, collapsing and useless” education system.
“Complaining about the education system is not a crime. If anything, the system needs to be changed and corrected. That is all they were asking for. They were not violent, they were not aggressive or nasty. They were beaten, assaulted and threatened,” he said.
Gandhi further alleged that the authorities resorted to intimidation instead of addressing students’ concerns. “First, goons were sent to their homes. Then a 15-year-old girl was forcibly made to apologise, and that apology was accepted. This is complete nonsense. We do not accept it,” he said.
Referring to the police action against protesters, Gandhi alleged that students who had not attacked anyone were subjected to lathi-charge and harassment. “The question of you apologising does not arise. You have done nothing wrong,” he told the students.
Reiterating the Congress’s demand for accountability over recurring examination paper leaks, Gandhi said the country deserved an education system that functioned fairly. “We want an education system that works. We want exam leaks to stop, and we want the future of this country to be respected and protected,” he said.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
