United Nations/New Delhi: The United Nations has expressed concern over the ongoing student-led protests in New Delhi, emphasizing that people should be allowed to exercise their right to peaceful protest without fear of harassment, arrest, or injury.
Responding to questions during a media briefing on Friday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said the UN is closely following the developments surrounding the demonstrations in India’s capital.
“We’re obviously very much aware of the protests that we’ve seen in New Delhi,” Dujarric said. “It is important that people wishing to protest peacefully be allowed to do so without the fear of harassment, the fear of arrest, or the fear of injury.”
He further stressed that it is the responsibility of security forces, in India as elsewhere, to ensure that the rights of peaceful protesters are protected.
The UN’s remarks came amid weeks of demonstrations triggered by the alleged NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak and demands for reforms in India’s public examination system. The protests culminated on Saturday with the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down following sustained public pressure.
The agitation was led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical collective that rapidly evolved into a nationwide youth movement. The protests began on June 20 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, focusing on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, which resulted in nearly 20 lakh students having to appear for a re-examination.
Protesters also raised concerns over reports of several students allegedly dying by suicide in the aftermath of the examination controversy, calling for greater accountability and comprehensive reforms to restore trust in the country’s education system.
The movement intensified on July 20, when thousands of students and supporters marched towards Parliament despite police restrictions and barricades. The demonstration reportedly led to clashes with security personnel, leaving several protesters injured.
Apart from seeking the resignation of the Education Minister, the protesters demanded compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy, withdrawal of police cases registered against participants in the July 20 Parliament march, and stronger safeguards to ensure transparency and fairness in future competitive examinations.
The UN’s statement underscores the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms while authorities manage public demonstrations, reiterating that peaceful assembly and freedom of expression remain fundamental rights that should be protected.
