Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday released a video message on Instagram in which he said he has forgiven the students who allegedly abused him during the recent protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. He described them as "misguided children" and appealed to society to guide them instead of demanding punishment. The Prime Minister said young people should get an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and move ahead with their lives while contributing to the country's progress.

In the video, PM Modi said the slogans raised during the protest deeply hurt him. He said some protesters used abusive language against him and even targeted his late mother. Despite expressing disappointment over the incident, he urged people not to respond with anger or harsh punishment. He stressed that the focus should remain on helping young people correct their mistakes.

Recalling the incident, the Prime Minister said, "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."

The Prime Minister said legal action or prolonged punishment would not bring any positive outcome. He said young people often make mistakes and deserve a chance to improve. He added that society should help them become responsible citizens instead of pushing them away.

Speaking about forgiveness, PM Modi said, "Children make mistakes, and childhood is also the time when they should be given a chance to correct those mistakes."

He then made a direct appeal to the public and asked everyone to respect his decision. He said, "I want to forgive those who abused me. I request society to accept my decision."

To explain his message, the Prime Minister used a simple metaphor. He said, "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 used the example to stress that people should respond with understanding instead of anger. He said the students remain part of the nation and deserve guidance.

The Prime Minister also said, "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 urged society to embrace young people and help them choose the right path instead of isolating them.

His remarks came while legal proceedings related to the controversy continue. A Zero FIR was registered against a woman from Noida for allegedly making abusive remarks against the Prime Minister during the NEET paper leak protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The complaint was filed by a resident of Ghaziabad.

According to the FIR, 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, 353(1) and 356(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. These sections deal with intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace, statements leading to public mischief and defamation.

Officials said the case has now been transferred to Parliament Street Police Station for further investigation. The police station will continue the inquiry and decide the next legal steps based on the findings of the investigation.

A Zero FIR allows police to register a case at any police station without considering where the alleged offence took place. The case is later transferred to the police station that has territorial jurisdiction to carry out the investigation. In this matter, officials confirmed that Parliament Street Police Station will now handle the case.

During his message, the Prime Minister also addressed students directly. He encouraged them to leave past mistakes behind and work towards achieving their goals. He invited them to participate in the country's development and focus on building a better future.

Addressing the students, PM Modi said, "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."

The video ended with another message promoting unity and constructive dialogue. The Prime Minister said, "Abuses never solve anything. Let's guide the misguided. Let's work together. Let's work for Bharat."

The developments come shortly after the conclusion of the NEET paper leak protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The agitation ended on July 25 after continuing for nearly five weeks. Thousands of students participated in the demonstrations and raised concerns over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations. Innovator and activist Sonam Wangchuk also joined the movement during his 26-day hunger strike.

The protest witnessed several major developments, including repeated stand-offs with the police and the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20. The agitation later concluded after the Centre accepted key demands related to examination reforms, transparency and accountability. The protest also saw the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, marking a significant political development linked to the movement.