Actor and philanthropist Sonu Sood urged empathy over force as tensions rise around the NEET-UG 2026 protests and the Cockroach Janata Party’s demonstrations in Delhi, repeating that “the future of our country deserves a hug, not a lathi.” He emphasized compassion in his messages on social media as clashes left over 118 police personnel injured and demonstrators pressed for accountability, including calls for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests also featured the CJP’s demands and a delegation meeting Union Health Minister JP Nadda, with talks proposed for the first time amid the impassioned demonstrations. Rahul Gandhi joined the dialogue by underscoring that peaceful protest is an inviolable right and that the Constitution is the guiding authority. The coverage highlights a broader debate over education reforms, examination irregularities, and the government’s handling of protests, with Sood and Gandhi urging nonviolent responses while demonstrators press for accountability.