SHILLONG: Students in Shillong staged a peaceful demonstration at Don Bosco Square on Monday, protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and expressing solidarity with education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Carrying placards with slogans such as “All is not well,” “Students died because the system failed them,” and “We stand with the youth at Jantar Mantar,” the protesters called for accountability from the Central Government and raised concerns about the integrity of the national examination system.
Speaking to reporters, students explained that their protest was organized to support Wangchuk’s movement, alleging that authorities had responded to his hunger strike with force rather than dialogue.
Although unable to travel to Delhi, they said the gathering in Shillong was to demonstrate that students in Meghalaya stand in solidarity with those protesting at Jantar Mantar.
“We may not be physically present in Delhi, but we are here to show that we are part of this movement,” said one student.
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A parent who joined the demonstration said the protest reflected growing concerns about repeated lapses in the education and examination system, stressing that students and parents were demanding greater accountability from the government.
She noted that ongoing irregularities had eroded public confidence and adversely affected many deserving students.
Another student criticized the treatment of Sonam Wangchuk, describing it as inappropriate, and expressed hope for his swift recovery and continued advocacy. He said students were still awaiting an official statement from the government and hoped for clarity on the examination issues.
Meghalaya Congress leader L. Nongkhlaw also participated, extending the party’s support to the students.
Addressing the media, Nongkhlaw urged the Union Education Minister to take responsibility for the alleged NEET paper leak and resign.
He emphasized the hardship caused to thousands of parents and students, whose aspirations were shattered by the scandal, and assured continued support from Congress in the pursuit of justice and efforts to restore public confidence in the country’s education system.
(4FrontMedia news)
