NEET-UG 2026 row: Diljit Dosanjh breaks silence on Jantar Mantar violence, urges authorities to hear students

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has finally reacted to the violence during the student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. Breaking his silence through an Instagram Story, Diljit called the incident "very bad" and appealed to the authorities to listen to the students instead of using force.

Diljit Calls for Peaceful Dialogue

Sharing his thoughts, Diljit wrote, “Aj Jo hoyea Baut Maada Hoyea.. Students Naal Edan Treat Nhi Hona Chaida c.. Mai Authorities Nu Request Karda Ke Students Dian Demands Nu sunn Leya Javey.. Lokan Di Avaaz Rab Di Avaaz Hundi Aa.."

His message stressed that students deserve to be heard respectfully. He also reminded those in power that “Lokan Di Avaaz Rab Di Avaaz Hundi Aa," meaning the voice of the people is the voice of God, urging the government to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Why Diljit Stayed Silent Until Now?

Diljit also explained why he had not spoken earlier. He revealed that he has repeatedly been labelled "anti-national" whenever he has raised his voice on public issues.

In his Instagram Story, he wrote, “Mere Te Already Anti Nationalist Da Tag Baut Vaar Lagg Chuka.. Hun V Mainu Anti-nationalist Keha Jaega. After Kisan Protest.. I faced a Lot of Backlash & Legal Problems which I can’t Even Discuss.. BAKI RAB SAB DEKH REHA, BABA BHALLI KARU."

The singer referred to the backlash and legal problems he says he faced after supporting the 2020 Farmers' Protest, adding that some experiences were so difficult that he still cannot discuss them publicly. He ended his note by placing his faith in God, writing, “BAKI RAB SAB DEKH REHA, BABA BHALLI KARU."

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What Happened at Jantar Mantar?

The protest began after the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 examination, with allegations of a question paper leak and tampered OMR sheets. The issue led to widespread anger among students and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement demanding education reforms and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

On July 20, thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar and attempted to march towards Parliament. Police stopped the march with barricades, leading to clashes, lathicharge and tear gas. Authorities later cleared the protest site, but protesters returned and reclaimed it later in the day.

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Celebrities Extend Support

Several celebrities including Diljit Dosnajh have extended their support to the students protesting. Celebs including Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Abhay Deol, Sonakshi Sinha, Huma Qureshi, Bhumi Pednekar, Dia Mirza, Anurag Kashyap and Shilpa Rao, have also urged the government to engage in dialogue with the protesting students and activist Sonam Wangchuk, keeping the debate around the protests firmly in the spotlight.

- PTC PUNJABI