Pics: Nithin Pereira
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Jul 22: Sahabalve organisation Udupi, the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO), and the Solidarity Youth Movement jointly staged a protest at the Udupi service bus stand against the alleged NEET question paper leaks and the injustice faced by students.
The protesters raised slogans and waved flags, demanding justice for NEET aspirants and strict action against those responsible for the irregularities in the examination system.
Addressing the protest, Hashpreet Singh, a student from Uttar Pradesh, said, “After I came to know that a protest was being organised here in support of NEET students and the students protesting at Jantar Mantar, I decided to participate. When I saw youth, children, and elders opposing the issue and taking part in protests, I realised that this has become a national issue. These leaks are not happening for the first time. Such incidents have happened in the past and may happen again in the future. We think about our children and wonder whether they too will have to face the same situation when they grow up. In this era of AI, students are trying to upskill themselves and build their future, but such large-scale mistakes and irregularities are taking place. Parents may not always understand how students prepare and what they go through. Such incidents should be avoided.”
John Castelino said, “Due to the NEET paper leak issue, many students have lost their lives. Children and youth are protesting peacefully, but the Modi government does not seem to care about their concerns. The government should have provided justice to the affected students. When opposition leaders started protesting, they were arrested. This is not democratic. The government is destroying democracy and should step down.”
Udupi social activist Faniraj said, “For the past one month, the CJP has been protesting and demanding the rights of students because of the NEET examination irregularities. It is not only students who are worried; parents who dream of seeing their children become doctors are also deeply concerned. When thousands of people peacefully marched near the parliament to raise their demands, the police started attacking them. Some police personnel were not in uniform, and sticks were used against the protesters. Pellet guns were also used, which the Human Rights Commission had reportedly described as dangerous. Students could not peacefully protest for their rights. Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike, was also taken away by the police. This is not how democracy should work. People have the right to protest for their problems. The system must change.”