Kailash Satyarthi 
National

Deeply pained by treatment meted out to students in Jamia: Satyarthi

Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi on Friday said he was "deeply pained" by the treatment meted out to students inside the library and girls' hostel in Jamia Millia Islamia and noted that "democracy shrinks" whenever such voices are "forcibly" suppressed.

migrator

New Delhi

His comments come against the backdrop of ongoing protests in the national capital against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

On Sunday, the police had to enter Jamia Millia Islamia after violent protests erupted on the campus and later some government and private properties were also vandalised around the university and New Friends Colony area.

Speaking at an event here, Satyarthi said he is "deeply pained" by the treatment meted out to the students inside the library and girls' hostel in Jamia Millia Islamia.

"I condemn the ongoing violence. Loss of lives and property is absolutely unacceptable," he said.

"However, a safe and fearless space for students and young people who respect the Constitution should always be guaranteed for voicing their opinions and concerns peacefully. Whenever such voices are forcibly suppressed, democracy shrinks,” he was quoted as saying by a statement issued by his organisation Kailash Satyarthi Children's Foundation.

He also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi  to initiate dialogue with the students and the youth.

"Seeing today's disturbing situation across the country, I feel an urgent need of serious dialogue between the State and the youth," he said.

Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!

Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!

Click here for iOS

Click here for Android

Tiruvallur gas leak deaths: December inspection had flagged fault in ammonia pipes. Six months on, zero action, 9 deaths

All eyes on GCC council meet

From bondage to books: Education breaks chain of bonded labour

Residents seek answers as Pattabiram ROB remains mired in disputes

Assistant professor recruitment candidates flag discrepancies in work experience marks