BJP Yuva Morcha leader Shiva Ashtagi has condemned the alleged use of force by the police against students who were staging a peaceful protest under the leadership of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in Mangaluru against the conduct of semester examinations during the Dasara vacation.

In a statement, Mr. Ashtagi said the university’s decision to hold examinations during the Dasara holidays had disregarded students’ religious sentiments, festive celebrations and academic interests.

He said the government should listen to students’ grievances and resolve them through dialogue rather than suppressing protests through police action. He also stressed that the police should have treated women students with dignity and acted in accordance with the law.

Alleging that the Congress government had failed to address students’ academic concerns, he pointed to administrative confusion, examination scheduling problems and discontinuation of courses at various universities. He urged the government and universities to protect the educational rights and future of students, particularly those from economically weaker and disadvantaged sections.