Youth Protests Continue Across Indian Cities Despite Police Crackdown

Protests by young people continue in several Indian cities despite alleged police violence, with demonstrations against the Narendra Modi government reportedly spreading beyond Delhi.

The protests are linked to concerns over irregularities in the education system and alleged paper leaks. Demonstrators are reportedly demanding accountability and calling for the resignations of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Videos shared on social media show young protesters in states including Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal.

According to Al Jazeera, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was also detained by police while supporting the protesters. Opposition parties have condemned the arrests and alleged use of force against students.

Priyanka Gandhi accused security forces of using batons and tear gas against students and alleged that female protesters were treated badly. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge described Modi’s government as authoritarian, while K.C. Venugopal called for the education minister to resign.

Amnesty International has also raised concerns, saying images from the protests indicate that peaceful dissent is being suppressed in India.