Modi calls for mercy as India moves past exam protest unrest

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for compassion toward students who participated in recent nationwide protests over a controversial examination paper leak, saying that punishment alone would not resolve the underlying issues that triggered one of the biggest political challenges of his third term.

In a video message shared on social media, Modi said he wanted to forgive students who shouted abusive slogans against him during demonstrations held across the country last month. He argued that dragging young protesters through lengthy legal proceedings would not help restore trust or address their concerns.

“These are misguided children. It is our responsibility to show them the right path,” Modi said. “Punishing them, making them appear repeatedly in court or subjecting them to social humiliation will not solve the problem.”

The protests erupted after the leak of national examination papers forced authorities to conduct a retest for nearly two million students, sparking widespread anger over transparency, fairness and employment opportunities for young people.

The demonstrations quickly spread to several cities, including the capital, New Delhi, where clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel. Police used tear gas and baton charges to disperse crowds attempting to march toward Parliament, while authorities registered cases against hundreds of demonstrators following incidents of violence and anti-government slogans.

The student-led movement, identifying itself as the Cockroach Janta Party, has claimed that hundreds of protesters were arrested across different states despite government assurances that police cases against demonstrators would be withdrawn.

Following weeks of sustained protests, the government accepted the movement’s key demands, including reforms to the examination system and the resignation of the education minister. The demonstrations were subsequently called off.

At the same time, the Modi government has moved to tighten laws against examination fraud by introducing new legislation in Parliament. The proposed bill seeks stricter punishments, including longer prison terms and heavier financial penalties, for individuals involved in leaking examination papers or manipulating public examinations.

Political analysts say Modi’s latest remarks appear aimed at easing tensions and encouraging national reconciliation after weeks of unrest. However, they note that public confidence will ultimately depend on the government’s ability to implement meaningful reforms that ensure transparent examinations and restore trust among millions of students preparing for competitive tests across India.