Bhaichung Bhutia criticizes abusive slogans against PM Modi

Former India football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has said people have every right to protest and share their opinions, but using abusive or offensive language, particularly against the Prime Minister, is not appropriate.

His comments came after videos from a protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar showed some participants using profane slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bhaichung said citizens can raise their voices on any issue but should maintain respect while doing so.

"Regarding all issues in India, in any part of the country, everyone has the right to protest. Anyone can express their views and say what they want," Bhaichung said, as quoted by news agency IANS.

"However, using inappropriate language, especially targeting the Prime Minister, does not reflect well on an individual, society, or the country as a whole. While exercising the right to protest, respectful language should still be maintained."

He also said he wants to work with the government to help young people get better opportunities in sports. He added, "Furthermore, my aim is to work with the Prime Minister and the government to engage youth in sports and provide them with as many opportunities as possible."

Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker had also criticised the use of abusive language, saying "using bad language is not cool" and that a person’s words show their character.

Prime Minister Modi also addressed the controversy, saying he did not want the youngsters involved to be punished and hoped they would learn from their actions.

“Hi friends, whatever happened at Jantar Mantar has been seen by the entire country and the world. Some misguided youngsters used extremely abusive language; words that do not befit any civilised society. They abused me, and they even abused my late mother," PM Modi had said.

“I don’t know what kind of state of mind they were in, but today I want to say that mistakes happen in childhood and youth. And at that stage of life, people also have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes. That is what being young is about."