India suspends policeman for firing AK-47 at student protesters

Authorities in India have suspended a police constable for firing an AK-47 rifle into the air to disperse student protesters over the weekend. The incident in Bihar state is the latest flashpoint in a series of youth-led demonstrations that have already prompted the federal education minister's resignation.

Videos circulating on social media, confirmed by police, show the officer in riot gear running towards a group of protesters in Siwan city on Saturday and firing at least three shots in the air. Senior police official Nilesh Kumar stated that no one was injured and that the constable, who was part of an intelligence unit, had been issued the assault rifle. Kumar condemned the action, saying, "The AK-47 was used by the constable wrongly. It cannot be justified in any way... There was no need of doing so. That is why he has been suspended."

The protests were initially triggered by the leakage of question papers for a national medical college entrance exam in May, an exam taken by over two million students, which necessitated a re-test. However, the demonstrations have broadened to include widespread concerns about youth unemployment and anxieties that AI could displace workers in sectors like IT, which are significant to India's economy.

Police have been accused of employing excessive force during the protests, with reports of students being beaten with canes and tear gas being used to push back demonstrators. Tens of thousands marched to Parliament in New Delhi on July 20, adding to the pressure that led to the education minister's resignation on Saturday, following nearly five weeks of protests.

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The AK-47 was used by the constable wrongly. It cannot be justified in any way. He used it wrongly, because they were students. There was no need of doing so. That is why he has been suspended. All sorts of actions will be taken against him.