A group of retired civil servants has strongly condemned the excessive and illegal use of force by police against young protesters exercising their democratic rights.

The Constitutional Conduct Group, in an open letter, expressed shock at the brutal police action against peaceful student demonstrators who were raising legitimate grievances.

The protests, which began in Delhi on June 6, escalated after police forcibly hospitalized activist Sonam Wangchuk, leading to a crackdown with lathis, tear gas, and pellet guns.

The group demanded an independent judicial inquiry into the police actions, including the use of pellet guns and shock batons, and called for the suspension of involved officers.They also urged the government to engage in structured dialogue with student representatives and withdraw police cases against protesters.

The letter, signed by 93 former officials, highlighted the violation of privacy through facial recognition vans and called for empathy, dialogue, and protection for the youth, emphasizing their role as India’s demographic dividend.The protests have spread nationwide, with demands for accountability and justice.