Catholic bishops condemn Delhi ‘assault’ on student protest

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has condemned what it called a “brutal assault” on democracy after police used batons and tear gas to disperse students marching peacefully in the capital to demand reforms in the education system.

In it’s statement July 21, the bishops expressed “profound anguish” over the crackdown on the “Sansad March,” where hundreds of young demonstrators rallied near Parliament seeking accountability and transparency in academic governance.

“Our youth, the true future of this nation, took to the streets with legitimate demands,” the statement read. “Meeting their peaceful, democratic expression with disproportionate force is a heartbreaking assault on the very soul of our democracy.”

The bishops said they stood “firmly united” with the students who faced what they described as “harrowing brutality.” The conference pledged solidarity with the protesters and echoed their calls for urgent reforms.

Thousands of people gathered again in New Delhi July 21, a day after police used batons and tear gas to disperse supporters of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, which is demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Tens of thousands had attempted to march to Parliament despite a police ban. At least 60 protesters and 118 police officers were injured, while authorities detained 70 demonstrators.

The statement also highlighted concern for Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent education activist who has been on a prolonged hunger strike in support of the students’ demands. Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital under what the bishops said were “forced” circumstances.

“We are deeply concerned for his well-being,” the bishops said. “We urge the authorities to address his noble demands with compassion and understanding, not repression.”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference appealed to the government to initiate “meaningful dialogue” with students and activists, and to safeguard the fundamental rights of citizens.

“We share your pain, hear your voices, and echo your righteous cry,” the statement said, underscoring the church’s support for youth-led movements.

The conference urged authorities to uphold democratic values and protect peaceful dissent. “This is not merely about education,” the bishops said. “It is about the future of our democracy itself.”

The bishops concluded by calling on the government to “listen with compassion” and to recognize that the demands of students and activists stem from a desire to strengthen, not weaken, the nation’s democratic institutions.

Read the press statement.