Shillong, July 21: Young people in Shillong on Monday joined the nationwide protest over exam paper leaks and expressed solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others on hunger strike at in New Delhi for over 20 days.
The spontaneous protest by students at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, also witnessed support from Thma U Rangli-juki (TUR) and Congress.
Coordinated largely through social media, the demonstration saw TUR leader Angela Rangad joining the protest and calling it a reflection of growing student frustration.
“It is a spontaneous protest. I just saw on social media that youngsters are saying we are going to meet at Don Bosco Square. Nobody knows who began this and everybody is just coming together,” Rangad said.
“It shows the level of concern of students and the responsibility that they are taking on their young shoulders. Where is the government hiding and keeping quiet?” she asked.
Rangad said the anger began with the NEET paper leak but “stems from a wider collapse” in the education system.
The protesters held placards with messages including “We stand with the youths at Jantar Mantar”, “Justice for students who lost their lives due to paper leak”, “Our dreams are not for sale”, and “India failed its future”.
One student said the protest was aimed at both national and state failures.
“We are here to protest against the education system of our country and also for Meghalaya. Meghalaya was once known for its top education system but now it is going down. It is worse,” she said.
She also called for the safety of Wangchuk and other protesters in Delhi, adding, “Instead of supporting, they are taking action against people demanding that the education system improve. We are against the system we have in our country.”
Another protester directly targeted the Union Education Minister.
“So many students have killed themselves because of paper leaks. It is sad our society and ministers are still quiet. My message to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan: please tender your resignation,” the student said.
