Surinder Choudhary condemned the alleged crackdown on youth protesters in Delhi and demanded talks. He said the Supreme Court should intervene to protect constitutional rights and public trust.
Jammu,Oct 12, 2026 17:14 IST
Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday condemned the alleged crackdown on youth protesters in Delhi, called for dialogue instead of force, and said the Supreme Court should step in to safeguard the Constitution. He said the concerns being raised by the young protesters, including on transparency, should be heard and addressed through democratic means.
He also questioned the treatment of demonstrators, referred to concerns over transparency in examinations and elections, and said public confidence in democratic institutions depended on accountability. Choudhary further said the restoration of statehood and Jammu and Kashmir's distinct identity should remain the priority instead of political discussions on Cabinet reshuffles and appointments.
Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said the government should engage with the protesters through talks rather than coercive action. He said the youth represented India's future and carried forward the legacy of freedom fighters such as Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, Sukhdev and Chandrashekhar Azad.
"Look at how these young people are being detained-not just the boys, but the girls as well. Look at the way they are being dragged away and the manner in which police officers, security personnel and groups in civvies are touching them. You can see for yourselves the misconduct and indignities being inflicted upon these young women," he said.
Questioning the treatment of the protesters, Choudhary said such actions were not in keeping with India's democratic traditions or the constitutional values associated with Mahatma Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar. "Is this the civilisation of our country? Is this our tradition? Is this our culture?" he asked, adding that citizens must be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
Linking the protests to wider concerns, he referred to the NEET examination controversy and allegations related to electoral rolls and voting procedures. He said the concerns raised by young people over transparency deserved to be addressed. He also called for accountability in the Election Commission and said public trust in the electoral process rested on transparency. Referring to allegations involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, he said it would be appropriate for him to resign on moral grounds.
Choudhary said the Centre should listen to the protesters and resolve their concerns through dialogue and negotiation rather than baton charges or other coercive measures. Stressing the role of constitutional institutions, he said the Supreme Court had an important responsibility in protecting constitutional rights, especially when questions were being raised over alleged excesses by those in power. He said the President and the Supreme Court were among the institutions whose intervention could help protect the country's democratic framework.
"Today, to protect the Constitution of this country, the Supreme Court has an important responsibility. As (Congress leader) Rahul Gandhi said, we have reached a point where we need to approach the Apex Court.
"Why has this situation arisen? Because today, there are only two institutions that can save this country and its Constitution: either the President of India or the country's highest court, the Supreme Court. Both must intervene. Only then can the Constitution of this country be protected," he said.
He also accused the BJP of trying to divert attention from the issues being raised and said political rhetoric should not overshadow questions of constitutional rights and electoral transparency. He maintained that the protesters were asking for transparency and protection of the Constitution, not making unreasonable demands, and said he hoped their concerns would be heard through democratic means.
Choudhary also underlined the role of the media, calling it the fourth pillar of democracy and urging journalists to report facts independently and hold those in power to account. "The day the pen is silenced in this country, the future of this nation will come to an end," he said.
In sum, Choudhary called for accountability, transparency and respect for fundamental rights, while urging constitutional institutions to act and the government to respond through dialogue. He also said that restoring statehood and protecting Jammu and Kashmir's distinct identity should take precedence over debate on political appointments.
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