'I Want to Forgive Those Who Abused Me': PM Modi on Jantar Mantar Protests; Urges Compassion for Students

New Delhi, Aug 1: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he had forgiven the students who allegedly abused him during the recent protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, urging society to guide them instead of seeking punishment or prolonged legal action.

In a video message shared on Instagram late Friday night, PM Modi said the abusive slogans directed at him and his late mother were painful but stressed that young people should be given an opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

'I Want To Forgive Those Who Abused Me'
Referring to the protest, the Prime Minister said the incident was deeply disturbing.

"What happened at Jantar Mantar... children from across the country used extremely abusive language. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother. It was deeply disturbing," he said.

Despite this, Modi said he had chosen forgiveness over retribution.

"I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision," he said.

'Guide Them, Don't Punish Them'
The Prime Minister said punishment alone would not help reform young people and called for compassion.

"Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes," he said.

Using a metaphor to explain his message, Modi added:

"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 society to embrace the students instead of alienating 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.

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Zero FIR Registered Over Alleged Abusive Remarks
The Prime Minister's remarks come amid legal proceedings related to 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 Delhi's Jantar Mantar.

According to the complaint filed by a Ghaziabad resident, the accused allegedly used "abusive and objectionable" language against the Prime Minister with the intention of provoking public discord and disturbing communal harmony.

Police registered the case under Sections 352 (intentional insult to provoke breach of peace), 353(1) (statements conducive to public mischief) and 356(1) (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The case has since been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station for investigation.

A Zero FIR can be registered at any police station irrespective of where the alleged offence occurred and is later transferred to the police station having territorial jurisdiction.

'Learn From Mistakes, Build The Nation'
Addressing the students directly, Modi appealed to them to move forward positively and contribute to the country's progress.

"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," he said.

The video concluded with the message:

"Abuses never solve anything. Let's guide the misguided. Let's work together. Let's work for Bharat."