A national gathering of Muslim intellectuals and political figures has formally extended its support to the ongoing youth-led demonstrations at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar against recent examination paper leaks. Organized under the banner of the Indian Muslims for Civil Rights (IMCR), the national consultative meeting concluded with a resolution expressing solidarity with the agitating students. The assembly, which brought together prominent voices from various fields, strongly criticized the law enforcement actions directed at the young protesters who have been demanding accountability and systemic reforms in the examination process.
Prominent Leaders Rally Behind Agitating Youth
The high-profile consultation saw participation from several key political and religious leaders, including senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, and Sarwar Chishti of the Ajmer Dargah. Together with numerous Muslim intellectuals, the attendees debated the current socio-political challenges facing the nation, ultimately focusing their collective attention on the plight of the younger generation. The speakers collectively condemned the police measures used to disperse the student gatherings, arguing that the youth are being unfairly targeted for raising valid concerns about their academic futures.
Mehbooba Mufti Highlights Rising Hardships for India's Youth
Addressing the gathering, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep concern over the prevailing national atmosphere, pointing out that young citizens are facing the brunt of systemic failures. She drew parallels between the local security measures and broader national policies affecting civilian demonstrations. "Today, the whole of India has turned into Kashmir," Mufti remarked during her address. She further explained that the current situation is visible to everyone, with the country's future—its youth—subjected to unprecedented hardships. Mufti criticized the administration for the recurring instances of exam paper leaks, pointing out that instead of addressing these systemic issues, authorities have resorted to lathi-charges against students who are merely demonstrating in a peaceful manner.
Salman Khurshid Urges Dialogue and Condemns Force
Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid highlighted the organic, non-partisan nature of the student demonstrations across the nation. He emphasized that these protests are not driven by political parties but are genuine expressions of student grievances that deserve a fair hearing. Khurshid stated that large numbers of citizens from all walks of life are joining these demonstrations because they recognize the legitimacy of the students' cause. "We have also strongly supported the students' movement," Khurshid declared. He condemned the harsh measures adopted by the authorities against the student community, expressing hope that the government would initiate a constructive dialogue with the protesters to ensure positive and fair outcomes in the coming days.
Demands for Judicial Inquiry and Constitutional Rights
The consultative meeting concluded with the adoption of several key resolutions under the 'New Delhi Declaration on Support for Muslim Rights in India'. A major part of the declaration was dedicated to condemning the Delhi Police's actions on July 20, 2026, when force was used against students protesting the paper leaks in the national capital. The resolution highlighted that the police action resulted in injuries to more than 100 individuals, characterizing the crackdown as a direct violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a), 19(1)(b), and 21 of the Constitution of India, which protect freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and personal liberty. The IMCR-led group demanded an independent and time-bound judicial investigation into the incident, alongside the filing of First Information Reports (FIRs) against the police officials responsible for the violence.
