Shillong holds solidarity protest for students demonstrating in Delhi
Students, parents, journalists and residents in Shillong gathered for a solidarity protest supporting protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, raising demands,
Shillong saw a solidarity protest supporting demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The gathering brought together students, parents, journalists and residents, who said they want accountability in connection with the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against protesters in the national capital.
Organisers said the protest began at around 2.30 pm and was organised by concerned citizens, not by any political party or group. Participants carried placards, raised slogans and called for action from the Centre, including a demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Students and families join the sit-in-style demonstration
Several school students and young children took part in the protest. Many held posters with messages asking for justice and a better future. One student participant said she joined because she wants justice and does not want corruption in government.
Others said the education issue should not be treated as the concern of only one state. A participant from Shillong said that education concerns every state, and that people should raise their voices when students are affected. A working professional who attended said she came as a citizen rather than representing any political party, and argued that leaders should engage with students and families if they believe no wrongdoing has happened.
Protesters demand accountability and say violence is unacceptable
Some participants also spoke about unity. A demonstrator said they want the country and its students to come together to address the problem. Journalists and senior residents joined the call for accountability, and one senior journalist said citizens should speak up when young people are affected.
On the police action against protesters in Delhi, speakers criticised the way the situation was handled. They said peaceful protest is a right in a democracy and that there was no need for violence. The Shillong protest ended with continued demands for justice and for the education minister to step down.
