Naseeruddin Shah slams CJP protest crackdown, compares goons with ICE agents

Naseeruddin Shah has reacted to the violence during CJP's Chalo Sansad march, condemning the treatment of protesters and comparing the attackers with American ICE agents. The actor also urged the youth to stay hopeful and continue their fight.

In Short

• Naseeruddin Shah supports protesting youth at Delhi's Jantar Mantar
• He condemns harsh treatment of students during CJP's Chalo Sansad march
• Shah urges youth to keep fighting, offering blessings and solidarity

Actor Naseeruddin Shah has spoken out against the crackdown during Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)’s Chalo Sansad march. He condemned the violence against protesters and compared those involved with American ICE agents. In a video shared on Instagram, the veteran actor expressed his anger over the treatment meted out to the young demonstrators and said his hope for the country’s youth has grown stronger.

Addressing the situation, Shah said, "I would like to say two things to you all. The first thing is that if an ignorant person leads this country, then his heart will want the whole country to become as ignorant, incomprehensible, and merciless as he is."

The 76-year-old actor reflected on his journey as a teacher and actor, saying that despite completing two different acting courses at the National School of Drama (NSD) and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), most of what he had learnt about acting came from the students he had tried to teach. He added that he had immense sympathy for them.

“I give them thousands and thousands of blessings with every breath, and I salute them on every Teacher's Day. Right now, my heart is full, and I am opening it with anger, seeing how these children are being treated with cruelty, by those goons, who remind me of the American ICE agents, with masks on their faces, and sticks in their hands," the actor said.

Shah further urged people to think about the future and the struggles faced by young protesters. "Sometimes, think about your children, and also think that one day, you will also face the same fate. I want to tell all these children not to lose hope. Many people sympathise with you. Many people are with you. Keep fighting," he added.

The actor said that he has always placed his hope in the youth of the country, and that hope has now become even stronger. He encouraged them to continue their struggle, assuring them of widespread support, while also asking the government to remember everything.

"And I just want to say this to the government of this country, I want you to remember everything,” he concluded.

The actor’s statement comes amid heightened tensions at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where protests have intensified following activist Sonam Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site in the early hours of July 18. Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to a hospital after he completed 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike, citing his deteriorating health, medical advice and compliance with a Delhi High Court order.

Wangchuk has been protesting against irregularities in competitive examinations and has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The issue gained further attention after concerns over examination paper leaks, including the NEET paper leak controversy, triggered nationwide debates on the education system.

On July 20, tensions escalated at Jantar Mantar after protesters were lathi-charged by Delhi Police, leading to clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement personnel.

Wangchuk has since continued his protest, vowing to remain on hunger strike over concerns related to exam irregularities and reforms in the education system.

- Ends