JAMMU, Jul 31: Hindustan Shiv Sena on Friday called for a thorough investigation into the alleged role of foreign funding and external elements in the recent violent protest held at Jantar Mantar, while expressing concern over the reported use of abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the demonstration.
Addressing a press conference in Jammu, State President Vikrant Kapoor strongly condemned the violence that took place during the protest and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice. He also urged the authorities to consider closing Jantar Mantar for protest activities, alleging that such demonstrations have increasingly turned violent.
Kapoor claimed that several police personnel were injured during the protest and said it was essential to uncover the circumstances that led to the violence. He alleged that despite repeated appeals by the police to maintain peace, some protesters resorted to violent acts.
Referring to reports emerging after the protest, Kapoor said the alleged involvement of activists, political leaders and foreign-funded organisations had raised questions about the nature and objectives of the agitation. He called for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged role of foreign funding and external elements so that the facts could be established and appropriate action taken, if warranted.
The Hindustan Shiv Sena leader also accused opposition political parties of attempting to derive political benefit from the students’ movement, alleging that the agitation was being exploited for political purposes.
Kapoor welcomed the legislation recently passed by Parliament on the issue and appreciated the Union Government for taking action against several officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA). He said such measures reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability.
He further claimed that allegations of foreign funding and external influence have surfaced in connection with violent protests in different parts of the country in the past, and stressed the need for a fair and detailed investigation into the recent incident to safeguard national interests.
Among those present at the press conference were Ramesh Gupta, State Senior Vice President and J&K In-charge of Hindustan Shiv Sena, along with senior leaders Sunil Debgotra, Parveen Gupta and other party members.
The allegations made by the Hindustan Shiv Sena are political claims. The investigation into the incident is subject to the findings of the competent authorities.