Modi govt offers carrot, wields 'NSA stick'

New Delhi: The Central Government on Thursday has renewed its efforts to end the ongoing student protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, extending multiple invitations for dialogue while emphasizing its willingness to discuss the issue on terms acceptable to the protesters. Even as ministers continue to reach out, the government says there has been no response from the students, keeping negotiations at a standstill.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the Centre has made four attempts to initiate discussions with the protesting students. According to him, the government is ready to hold talks at a time convenient for the students and is open to accommodating their conditions for the meeting. Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally concerned about the issue and remains committed to protecting students' interests. Appealing to the protesters to come forward, he said that constructive dialogue is the only way to arrive at a meaningful solution.

Union Minister J.P. Nadda also reiterated the government's willingness to engage with the students, stating that the venue for the meeting is flexible. He said discussions could take place at his residence, the ministry, or any location preferred by the students. However, despite repeated invitations, the government claims that no response has been received from the student representatives.

The CJP has rejected the government's offer for talks.

Amid the continuing outrage over the examination paper leak controversy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major step aimed at ensuring swift justice. In a social media post, the Prime Minister directed the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite trials in paper leak cases.Modi stressed that safeguarding the future of young people remains the government's highest priority. He said those responsible for compromising the integrity of examinations would face the toughest legal action and that no individual involved in destroying students' futures would escape punishment.

The Lt Governor has extended Delhi Police's power of preventive detention under the stringent National Security Act (NSA) till October 18, according to an official notification.

The NSA empowers the Centre and states to detain individuals to prevent them from acting in a manner 'prejudicial to the defence of India'.

The detention period under the NSA ranges from three to 12 months, though it can be revoked earlier.

People found directly involved in violence during the ongoing CJP protest may face cancellation of their passports, police sources said on Thursday

Because it is preventive detention and not arrest, there is no legal obligation to present the detainee before a court of law.

The protesters have maintained a firm stand, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, sweeping reforms to the country's examination system, and stronger safeguards to prevent future paper leaks.