New Delhi, July 23: The National Federation of Youth Movement (NFYM) has lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding police actions during a protest organized by the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) near Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The organization is demanding an independent, fair, transparent, and timely investigation into the incident.
In its complaint, NFYM alleges that the Delhi Police used excessive and disproportionate force against students who were peacefully protesting. Serious accusations mentioned in the complaint include the use of pellet guns, shock batons, excessive baton charges, unlawful detention, and mistreatment of female protesters.
The organization also highlighted that journalists covering the protest, teachers accompanying students, parents who arrived at the scene, and doctors and medical volunteers providing first aid were also victims of police threats, violence, and harsh treatment.
Additionally, the complaint states that several police officers were not wearing nameplates or identification badges during the operation, and some individuals accompanying the police were in plain clothes. NFYM has requested the NHRC to conduct an independent inquiry into all these allegations.
The organization urged the commission to take suo motu cognizance of the matter and order an independent investigation into all allegations of police excesses and human rights violations. NFYM has also demanded the preservation of CCTV footage, body camera recordings (where available), medical records, videos taken from mobile phones, and all other relevant evidence.
Furthermore, NFYM has called for statements to be recorded from injured students, journalists, teachers, parents, doctors, medical volunteers, eyewitnesses, and independent witnesses.
The organization has also requested that if any officer is found guilty during the investigation, departmental and criminal action should be recommended against them. Additionally, victims should receive compensation, proper medical facilities, rehabilitation, and psychological support. NFYM has called for the issuance of necessary guidelines to enhance the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights and accountability during peaceful protests.
On this issue, NFYM President Masiha Uzzama Ansari stated that the right to peaceful protest is fundamental to democracy and is protected by the Constitution. Journalists have the right to report freely, doctors should provide emergency medical services without hindrance, and parents and teachers should stand with students without fear or violence.
He emphasized that the allegations related to recent protests are extremely serious and require a fair, transparent, and independent investigation. Holding accountable any human rights violations is crucial to maintaining public trust in the rule of law and democratic institutions.
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