Photo Courtesy: nenow
Shillong: Shillong has erupted in solidarity with protesters at Jantar Mantar. On July 23, citizens and multiple organizations rallied against the alleged NEET paper leak. Participants demanded transparency and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement is gaining momentum.
The Voice of the People Party and the North-Eastern Hill University Students Union officially backed the Cockroach Janta Party. VPP spokesperson AW Rani condemned the systemic rot in public institutions. "To the VPP, this protest is not confined only to the alleged irregularities in the NEET examinations. It is about protecting public institutions from corruption, nepotism and undue political interference, and safeguarding the interests and future of millions of our youth across the country," Rani stated. The NEHUSU demanded Pradhan accept moral responsibility and resign immediately.
Solidarity events dominated the city. Residents gathered at Police Point in Laitumkhrah from 2 pm to 5 pm. Students, teachers, and seniors held placards calling for merit and fair exams. The Hynniewtrep Youth Council hosted a separate protest at Khyndai Lad. HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem denounced the brutal force used against students in Delhi. North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum joined the crowd as a private citizen. He remains the only Meghalaya legislator to publicly break silence on the issue.
Meghalaya Congress leaders Manuel Badwar, Banphira Basaiawmoit, Freddy Thabah, and Sara Rani Lyngkhoi traveled to the national capital to meet with Yogendra Yadav and Kunki Chowdhury. The Khasi Students Union Delhi unit also joined the ongoing site demonstrations. The All India Lawyers Union and the Meghalaya Joint Council of Trade Unions and Associations both issued statements condemning police violence. The NEHU students union scheduled a follow-up gathering at 2 pm this Friday near the campus Central Library.
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