BJP condemns brutal attacks on agitating students

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) Stongly condemning the ''brutal attacks'' on agitating students, the BJP today said the ''best of brains'' studying in institutions of higher learning do not deserve such ''inhuman treatment.'' ''The TV footage and photographs of brutal police attacks on the students studying medicine, engineering and management have stirred the national conscience. The government should talk to the students and understand their perception instead of letting loose the police force in especially in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore,'' BJP Parliamentary Party Spokesman Vijay Kumar Malhotra said at a press conference in the Parliament House precincts.

However, he steadfastly refrained from giving the BJP's views on the reservation issue, saying that the party would react only after the government came out with its decision. ''The cabinet is yet to take its decision and once they make known their proposal, we will be in a position to react.'' ''The BJP is not against reservation and the Constitution does recognise ways of dealing with the claims of meritorious students in admissions as well as employment. The Government has options to increase the number of seats to ensure that the merit was not a casualty, while at the same time achieving the cause of social justice,'' he said.

Mr Malhotra said the BJP would raise the issue during the Question Hour.

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