Kiren Rijiju Denies Serious Injuries During Youth Protests Amid Controversy

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, has stated that no individuals were seriously injured during the protests on July 20 in Delhi, which were aimed at highlighting alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. Speaking in an interview that was broadcast on Tuesday, Rijiju asserted that ‘not a single person was harmed,’ emphasizing that none of the demonstrators suffered from severe injuries or required hospitalization.

This assertion comes at a time when public scrutiny is mounting over the police’s handling of the protests, especially after a Right to Information (RTI) request revealed that at least ten individuals sustained injuries from pellet guns during the protest march towards Parliament. Such claims have sparked significant debate among various stakeholders, including activists and opposition parties, who question the government’s narrative of the events.

Rijiju’s comments appear to conflict with reports from medical personnel and journalists present at the scene. For instance, a 19-year-old protester reportedly suffered multiple injuries and lost vision in one eye, which doctors confirmed were caused by pellet strikes. Furthermore, a journalist covering the protest indicated that he endured 26 pellet wounds, raising serious concerns about the use of non-lethal crowd-control measures by security forces.

The protests on July 20 drew significant attention as thousands of youth took to the streets to voice their discontent regarding perceived injustices in the recruitment processes of competitive exams, which they claim are plagued by corruption and mismanagement. The demonstrators have been vocal about their frustrations, demanding transparency and fairness in the examination system.

The contrasting narratives between government officials and protesters not only reflect the broader tensions in society but also highlight the challenges faced by the government in addressing youth grievances. As the situation unfolds, many are left questioning the government’s commitment to maintaining order while ensuring the fundamental right to peaceful protest.

Source: scroll.in