Government Clarifies Assurance on Protesters: Peaceful Only, Not Violent

The central government has clarified that its assurance to not take legal action against protesters who agreed to end demonstrations earlier this week applies only to those who protested peacefully. Government sources stated that the commitment does not extend to individuals accused of violence or those with criminal backgrounds.

The clarification comes after the group that had been protesting against exam paper leaks accused the government of backtracking on its promise by allowing police to register cases and make arrests in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The group had demanded the withdrawal of all cases against protesters as part of the agreement that led to the end of the protests in Delhi and elsewhere. They also claimed that a signed agreement promised by the government has not yet been handed over.

A senior Union minister explained that the assurance was explicitly limited to peaceful protesters. The minister noted that during a press conference on Saturday, Health Minister J P Nadda carefully worded the government's position, stating that no cases would be filed against protesters and organisers for the act of protesting, but those involved in violence or with criminal records would face legal action.

The minister further pointed out that even in the written assurance given to activist Sonam Wangchuk before he ended his 26-day fast, the government committed only to not taking action against 'peaceful protesters'. Another senior minister confirmed that there is still no signed written agreement between the centre and the group, and the only formal articulation of the understanding remains Health Minister Nadda's press conference.

At Saturday's joint press conference, Nadda had said, 'Broadly, their proposal demanded that no FIRs be registered and if there are then they be withdrawn, be they in Delhi or in other BJP-ruled states. We will give a copy of those FIRs to them, and we will not take any action after withdrawing those FIRs… There will be no case against protesters and organisers in future for this activity (protests).'

Meanwhile, BJP-ruled states like Bihar and Assam have announced that they will withdraw cases against protesters detained before 6 pm on July 26 and release those arrested before that cut-off, while maintaining that action will continue against those involved in violence. In West Bengal, authorities have registered seven FIRs and arrested 16 people in connection with violence on July 24 in Kolkata. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has stated that many of those identified were not students but individuals with criminal intent.

Government sources reiterated the centre's commitment to withdrawing FIRs against genuine protesters and to providing compensation to families of students who died by suicide after the NEET-UG examination was cancelled due to a paper leak. A government source said, 'As far as compensation is concerned, the government can do much more than just giving cheques. It can even provide jobs to the next of kin.'