Author and actor Vismaya Mohanlal has publicly condemned the Delhi Police response to student-led demonstrations in the national capital.

Sharing a statement on her Instagram story regarding the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protests against examination irregularities, Vismaya criticised the heavy-handed measures used to disperse demonstrators, including tear gas, lathi charges, internet suspensions and barricading, and urged citizens to reflect on the health of the nation's democracy.

 

Vismaya Mohanlal’s statement
 

"Tear gas. Lathi charges. Students injured. Roads blocked. Metro stations closed. Heavy barricading across the city. Internet Suspension.

You don't have to agree with the protesters. You don't have to support their demands. You don't even have to like the organisations involved.

But if the response to citizens raising their voices is overwhelming force instead of dialogue, every one of us should stop and ask what kind of democracy we are becoming.

Because tomorrow, it could be you asking to be heard. Your city. Your neighbourhood. Your own family.

My question to all of you is simple: Do you genuinely believe this is how a democracy should respond to its own citizens?"

Stand out amidst industry solidarity

Vismaya's vocal critique has drawn huge attention as she, who is currently preparing for her acting debut, has chosen to use her platform to question administrative high-handedness. Her father and veteran actor Mohanlal has maintained silence on the ongoing student unrest.

Her statement joins those of prominent Malayalam cinema figures, including Tovino Thomas and Parvathy Thiruvothu, who have also publicly condemned the police action against the student demonstrators in Delhi.