Cinema VinesBollywood actress Swara Bhasker has joined a growing chorus of public figures condemning the Indian government’s decision to beef up security forces in Delhi amid student protests. The demonstrations, which began on Monday, saw students marching in the capital demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the NEET paper leak controversy. Reports of lathi charges against the protestors have drawn widespread criticism.
In a newly released video, Bhasker criticized the deployment of additional Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) companies in the city. She said the government’s response was “absolutely shameful” and accused the authorities of declaring a “war on the youth” of the country. The actress highlighted that Delhi police were equipped with riot gear, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was present, and 20 extra CRPF companies were being dispatched to the capital, with further reports of 10 more units being called from Kashmir. She warned that the students, who were peacefully protesting for their future, were being treated as more dangerous than external adversaries such as Pakistan and China.
Bhasker’s comments come after the Centre reportedly ordered the deployment of 20 additional CRPF companies to strengthen security measures in Delhi. She added that the government’s actions “have declared war on the children and youth of our country.” The actress’s video has sparked a debate on the appropriate level of force in response to civil demonstrations.
Actor Anupam Kher also weighed in on the situation, urging students to remain cautious of political parties that may use the protests for their own agendas. In a separate X video, Kher warned that while increased participation can appear to strengthen a movement, it can also lead to the dilution of the original cause. He cautioned that external actors might hijack the protest’s messaging and use it to further their political interests, potentially undermining the students’ objectives.
