Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to first apologise to students injured during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar before speaking about forgiveness.
Dipke's remarks came in response to Modi's recent appeal for restraint towards students accused of using abusive language against him and his late mother during the protest.
The CJP founder alleged that protesters were subjected to lathi-charge and suffered head injuries, pellet gun wounds and serious injuries, including broken arms and legs.
“PM Modi should apologise to the students who were subjected to a lathi-charge on July 20, those who suffered head injuries, pellet gun wounds, and serious injuries such as broken arms and legs. Apologise to them first; only then can you talk about forgiveness,” Dipke said.
He alleged that the violence witnessed during the July 20 protest was unprecedented and said the Prime Minister should apologise for the police action before discussing forgiveness.
Dipke also called for cases registered against the protesting students to be withdrawn, saying forgiveness should not be limited to a social media message.
“Don’t just offer forgiveness on Instagram; direct the police to withdraw the cases as well. Withdraw the cases filed against these students,” he said.
Dipke questions scope of PM Modi’s forgiveness appeal
Modi had recently posted a video appealing for restraint towards students accused of making abusive remarks against him and his late mother during the Jantar Mantar agitation.
The Prime Minister said mistakes were part of growing up and urged people to forgive, guide and help the students reform. He also said prolonged court proceedings or social ostracisation would not change the situation.
