Joint Statement by the student bodies of NLS, NUALS, NALSAR, MNLU Mumbai,

MNLU Nagpur, HNLU, NLUO and NUSRL against the violent Police Action at Aligarh
Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia.

The students of these NLUs strongly condemn the violence and use of brute force against the
protests organised by students of Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia.
Over the past few days of the protest there has been use of tear-gas shells and lathi charge
against the protesting students, along with the forceful entry in their university premises,
cutting off internet services and physical assault of students thereafter. This is clearly an
example of excessive use of force by the state against mere expression of dissent. As students
of law who are taught the importance of following due procedure, the actions of the law
enforcement authorities authorised by the state are completely out of line and unwarranted and
disproportionate. The resulting damage of life and property at the site of these universities has
forced them to leave their premises and stop academic activities.
In a healthy democratic and political environment, dissent is a necessary component. As
students of law we are aware of how valuable such expression and the constitutional protections
bestowed upon us for the same. These actions against the protesting students have violated
their constitutional protections endangering their lives and brought shame to our democratic
values that we cherish and strive to uphold.
We stand with these students who suffered such brutality from the state over their peaceful
protests and extend our support to them unconditionally.