The illegal and disproportionate use of force by security personnel against youth protesters exercising their democratic rights is unacceptable, a group of former bureaucrats said on Friday. Dozens were injured as the police used lathis, fired tear gas shells and pellet guns against the demonstrators. The groups said that a “meaningless dialogue” had been initiated under public pressure, with photo-op visits to the injured in hospitals. “These young citizens deserve empathy, dialogue, protection and solutions, not pellets and lathis,” the group said. “The government must remember that its primary duty is to serve the people, especially the youth who represent India’s demographic dividend,” they added.