New Delhi: In a new video message shared on his social media handles on Friday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was forgiving “misguided children” who had hurled abuses at him and his late mother during the recent Gen-Z protest at Jantar Mantar.
Modi said the language used by some protesters “would not suit any civilised society”, but appealed to society to help reform them instead of punishing them or put them through prolonged legal action.
“What happened at Jantar Mantar the country and the world saw… some mischievous children used extremely abusive language. They not only abused me, but even my late mother. It was deeply disturbing,” he said.
The PM said society’s anger is understandable, it’s a cultural shock how our girls can use such language used by young women. But this is the time to embrace these children and show them the right path rather than pushing them into legal battles.
“Children make mistakes.. childhood is the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes,” he said.
“I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision,” he said.
Modi used a metaphor to explain his decision. “Sometimes we accidentally bite our tongue with our own teeth, and it bleeds. But we do not break our teeth, because both the teeth and the tongue are our own.”
He urged people to embrace the students rather than ostracise them.
“They were misguided, and it is our responsibility to guide them. Punishing them, dragging them through courts, or subjecting them to social harassment will not change anything,” he said.
The Prime Minister’s message came amid legal action over the controversy. A Zero FIR was registered against a Noida woman for allegedly making abusive remarks against Modi during the NEET paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar.
The FIR, which was lodged on a complaint by a Ghaziabad resident, states that the accused used “abusive and objectionable” language against the Prime Minister with the intention of provoking public discord and disturbing communal harmony.
A police case was registered under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducing to public mischief) and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The case, which has been transferred to Parliament Street police station for investigation, is now expected to be withdrawn following the PM’s pardon.
Addressing the students, Modi asked them to move forward with the country.
“Come, let us move forward together for the country. Let us learn from our mistakes and pursue our dreams. India is progressing rapidly, and I want each one of you to progress as well,” Modi said.