A Democracy Must Listen To Its Youth, Not Silence Them: Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa Condemns Excessive Force On Students At Jantar Manta
Jul22,2026
| Jagrati Lahar Bureau | Chandigarh
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Calls for compassion, accountability and protection of young voices under the spirit of child rights
Expressing deep anguish over the treatment meted out to young protesters
during the recent demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Gunjeet Ruchi Bawa, Vice Chairperson,
Punjab State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, has called for restraint, sensitivity and respect
for the democratic rights of young citizens.
Reacting to the visuals of police action during the students protest, Ms. Bawa said the images were
deeply disturbing and left every child rights advocate questioning whether the nation's youth were
being heard or merely subdued. The protest, led by students demanding accountability over alleged
examination irregularities and education reforms, witnessed clashes between protesters and police,
with reports of injuries and widespread criticism over the use of force.
Sharing her emotional response, Ms. Bawa said, "My heart goes out to these children whom I saw being
beaten mercilessly. The police personnel, too, are parents to children of the same age. They may have
flinched at every lathi blow that landed on tender young bodies, yet duty compelled them to act. These
were not hooligans, gangsters or anti-social elements. They were dream-filled children from ordinary
middle-class homes, marching towards Parliament to awaken their representatives from indifference."
She further observed that while laws and constitutional values recognise the right of young people to
express their fears, concerns and aspirations peacefully, the disturbing visuals suggested that this right
had been overshadowed by the excessive use of force. "The question before us is not merely about
maintaining law and order; it is about whether we, as a society, are creating enough space for our youth
to be heard with dignity. This is a moment for collective introspection—to ask ourselves where we have
failed our children," she added.
Ms. Bawa urged all stakeholders to ensure that democratic engagement by young citizens is met with
dialogue, empathy and constitutional sensitivity, reaffirming that the voices of India's youth deserve
respect, not fear.
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