Meghalaya’s Shillong witnessed a solidarity protest in support of the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest saw participation of students, parents, journalists and residents gathering to demand accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and the police action against protesters, some of which were children, in the national capital.
The gathering began around 2.30 pm and was organised by concerned citizens rather than any political party or organisation. Protesters carried placards, raised slogans and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Several school students and young children also took part in the protest, holding posters with messages calling for justice and a better future.
“We deserve justice. We will not stand for a corrupt government,” said Aisha, a student who joined the demonstration.
Another participant, Shiv Singh, said Meghalaya could not remain silent on an issue affecting students across the country. “Education concerns every state. If we stay quiet today, the next generation will also remain silent. We have to raise our voice,” he added.
A working professional who joined the protest said she was participating as a citizen and not on behalf of any political party.
“This peaceful protest concerns everyone because we are the future of the country. If the government believes it has done nothing wrong, it should come forward and speak to the students. At least empathise with the families who lost their children. I stand with the Constitution, not with any political party,” she said.
Another participant from Laitumkhrah said the protest was about unity. “We want the country and its students to come together and face this problem together,” he said.
Young participants echoed similar concerns. One student said they had joined the protest “to fight for a better future” and to support the students demonstrating in Delhi.
Ezekiel Nongrum demanded accountability from the government. “I want justice for the students. I want the education minister to resign because he does not deserve that seat,” he said.
Senior journalist Patricia Mukhim, who also attended the protest, said citizens should speak up when young people are affected.
“We all have a voice and we should use that voice for justice. This concerns young people, so we must stand with them. We also demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan,” she said.
Commenting on the police action against protesters in Delhi, Patricia said, “This is not the way a democracy is run. People have the right to protest peacefully and there was no need for violence.”
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
One of the organisers, Yash, said the gathering was a spontaneous initiative by concerned citizens.
“We had no expectations. We were frustrated by what had happened and wanted to bring people together. Even if only ten people had turned up, we would have been happy,” he said.
Referring to the events following the alleged examination paper leak, he added, “What happened after the paper leak disturbed me deeply. The brutality against students and children is not something we signed up for.”
The protesters said they wanted accountability from the government and urged the authorities to engage with students instead of using force. They said the issues surrounding examination irregularities and the treatment of protesters were matters of concern for students across the country.
Also Read | How torrential rain in Nagaland devastated Upper Assam