PM Modi breaks silence amid protests, announces fast-track courts for paper leaks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a big message to the youth and students amid raging protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a showdown in Parliament.

In Short

• PM says courts will ensure punishment for those involved in paper leaks
• Comes day after Rahul Gandhi alleged zero convictions in paper leak cases
• PM's remarks seen as outreach to youth amid raging protests in Delhi

Breaking his silence amid the student-led protests, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure "swift" and "stringent punishment" for those involved in exam paper leaks. The announcement by the Prime Minister comes a day after Rahul Gandhi alleged that there have been zero convictions in the "152 paper leak" cases over the last 10 years.

With the government facing massive backlash over the crackdown on student protesters during their march to Parliament on July 20, PM Modi emphasised that protecting the interests of students remained a top priority. In the same breath, the Prime Minister warned of strict action against anyone attempting to jeopardise the future of the youth.

"We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard," PM Modi tweeted.

He further highlighted that setting up fast-track courts was just a part of a series of steps taken by the government to tackle the menace of paper leaks.

That the message was conveyed by the Prime Minister himself suggests a government attempt to reach out to the students and pacify their anger.

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth... Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," PM Modi stressed.

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