SerpApi.Org
After supporting activist Sonam Wangchuk, actor Preity Zinta has once again voiced her concerns over the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) student protest in Delhi. The actor called for educational reforms while cautioning that peaceful demonstrations should not be "hijacked by anti-national elements" to create chaos.
Sharing a detailed note on X, Preity stressed the importance of protecting the original purpose of the protests and ensuring that the voices of students seeking reforms are not overshadowed by disruptive elements.
She wrote, "While it's important to support our students and ask for educational reforms that positively impact the future of our youth, it's also very important that peaceful protests by students are Not hijacked by anti national elements to create chaos & change the nature of the protest (sic)."
The 51-year-old actor also raised concerns over the possibility of external forces exploiting students' anger and frustration to create unrest.
"Seeing so much hate & divide online makes me wonder if bad elements in & outside our country have already started to work overtime to weaponise the anger & frustration felt by our students (sic)," she added.
Preity further reiterated her faith in democracy, law and order, while calling for constructive conversations between the government and protesters. She said that she has always believed in hard work, equality and excellence, which should never be compromised.
The Veer Zaara actor added that she believes in the country's democracy, law and order, and government. She hoped that both sides engage in meaningful and constructive dialogue to remove any nefarious elements and agendas from the protest and conversation, ensuring a brighter future for the youth and democracy.
Earlier, the actor had extended her support to activist Sonam Wangchuk and the protesting students. She urged the government to begin a meaningful dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and student bodies to prevent his health from deteriorating further. She appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, stating that his health was as important as the cause he was fighting for.
The actor extended her heartfelt and unwavering support to the students and Wangchuk, saying that they were fighting for the future of India and its youth while working towards improving the education system. She also wished them strength in their efforts.
The actor's statement comes amid heightened tensions at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where protests intensified following Wangchuk's removal from the protest site in the early hours of July 18.
Delhi Police shifted him 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 following concerns over examination paper leaks, including the NEET paper leak controversy, which sparked nationwide discussions 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, maintaining his demand for reforms and action over examination irregularities.
