London (Samajweekly) The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) has expressed solidarity with the student-led protest movement sweeping across India and has condemned what it described as the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Sital Singh Gill, the organisation said it was deeply concerned by international media reports of baton charges, tear gas and injuries sustained by students during clashes with police in New Delhi and other parts of the country. The Association said the protests reflected growing frustration among young people over examination scandals, unemployment, corruption and a perceived lack of opportunities. It argued that governments should respond to such concerns through dialogue and meaningful reform rather than force.The IWA also highlighted the wider impact of the continuing demonstrations on the public, saying transport disruption and restrictions had affected workers, families and businesses, while many Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) visiting India during the holiday season had experienced difficulties with travel as protests spread to several states. Calling the right to peaceful protest a fundamental democratic freedom, the organisation urged the Indian Government to investigate allegations of excessive police action, 
engage with student representatives and introduce reforms to restore public confidence in the country’s education system.The Association welcomed the growing international support for the movement, noting that solidarity demonstrations had taken place in several countries where members of the Indian diaspora had gathered in support of students demanding accountability and educational reform. The Indian Workers Association (Great Britain) also announced that it is planning to organise a peaceful solidarity demonstration in the United Kingdom in support of the students’ movement in India. The organisation said it would work with community groups, trade unions, student organisations and human rights campaigners to show support for what it described as the students’ legitimate democratic demands. Mr Gill said that India’s young people represented the country’s greatest strength and that their concerns should be addressed through democratic engagement rather than confrontation. He added that lasting solutions could only be achieved through transparency, accountability and respect for civil liberties. The protests, which began over examination controversies and youth unemployment, have developed into one of the largest student-led movements in India in recent years. Demonstrations have been reported in numerous cities across the country, while solidarity events have also been organised by members of the Indian diaspora overseas. The Indian Government has defended the actions of the police as necessary to maintain public order, while protest organisers and human rights groups have called for restraint and dialogue.
