'Want to forgive those who abused me, my late mother': PM Modi on students' Jantar Mantar protest
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday shared a video message on Instagram, saying he had forgiven the students who allegedly used abusive language against him during a recent protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
In the video, Modi said the slogans directed at him and his late mother were upsetting, but added that students should be given a chance to learn from their mistakes and move forward.
He urged society to guide young people rather than focus only on punishing them.
"What happened at Jantar Mantar... children from across the country used extremely abusive language. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother. It was deeply disturbing," he said.
The Prime Minister, however, said punishment or prolonged legal action would not help.
"Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes," he said.
Modi appealed to society to accept his decision to forgive those who abused him.
"I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision," he said.
His comments come as police continue legal proceedings related to the incident. A Zero FIR was registered against a woman from Noida for allegedly making abusive remarks against the Prime Minister during the NEET paper leak protest held at Jantar Mantar.
According to the complaint filed by a resident of Ghaziabad, the accused allegedly used “abusive and objectionable” language against Modi with the intention of creating public discord and disturbing communal harmony.
Police registered the case under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducive to public mischief), and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The matter has now been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station, which is conducting the investigation.
Addressing the students directly, Modi invited them to move forward with the country.
"Come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn from our mistakes and pursue our dreams. India is progressing rapidly, and I want each one of you to progress as well," he said.
The video concluded with the message: "Abuses never solve anything. Let's guide the misguided. Let's work together. Let's work for Bharat."
- With inputs from agencies
