Naseeruddin Shah Slams Violence Against Student Protesters, Says an Ignorant Leader Wants an Ignorant Nation
NEW DELHI: Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has voiced his support for student protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and strongly condemned the alleged use of force against them. In a video message shared on social media, he criticized the country’s leadership and expressed anguish over what he described as the mistreatment of young people.
Speaking in the video, Shah said, “If an ignorant person leads a country, he would want the entire nation to become as ignorant, insensitive, incompetent, and cruel as himself.”
Referring to his experience as a teacher, the actor said he was deeply hurt and angered by the treatment of students participating in the protests. He alleged that masked individuals carrying batons and using force against protesters reminded him of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“My heart is full, and I am boiling with anger seeing what is being done to our children,” Shah said. He urged those involved in the violence to think about their own children and warned that everyone must ultimately face the consequences of their actions.
Encouraging the protesting students, Naseeruddin Shah urged them not to lose hope, saying that many people stand in solidarity with them. “Keep fighting. I have always had faith in the younger generation of this country, and that hope has only grown stronger. We are all with you,” he said, adding that the government should remember that “everything will be remembered.”
The protests are reportedly being held over the alleged NEET examination paper leak scandal, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters claim that the controversy has caused severe mental distress among students.
Various reports have alleged that at least 12 students died by suicide in connection with the stress and circumstances surrounding the scandal, although the specific causes and links have been the subject of public debate.
Naseeruddin Shah’s remarks have added his voice to the growing criticism and concern over the treatment of student protesters and the broader issues raised by the examination controversy in India.
