Shillong, July 24: The North-Eastern Hill University Students’ Union on Thursday came out in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and students across India protesting the NEET paper leak, while calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a statement, NEHUSU said the leak has eroded trust in the country’s examination system and put the burden of systemic failures on students.
“Every competitive examination represents years of hard work, sleepless nights, financial sacrifices, and the dreams of countless young people. Yet, when the system fails, it is always the students who are left to suffer,” the union said.
NEHUSU also condemned reports of force being used against peaceful protesters.
“Equally alarming are the reports of peaceful students being beaten and detained while exercising their democratic right to demand justice. In a democracy, students must be heard, not silenced,” the statement said, adding that such actions have no place in a nation built on constitutional values.
The union questioned how long students would continue to bear the consequences of lapses they were not responsible for.
“How many more students must pay the price for failures they did not create?” it asked.
Demanding accountability at the top, NEHUSU urged the Union Minister for Education to accept responsibility and resign.
“Restoring public confidence in the country’s education system begins with accountability, not assurances,” the union said.
NEHUSU further stated that students were not seeking sympathy but were demanding fairness, justice and transparency in the education system.
“We stand firmly with Sonam Wangchuk and with every student fighting for an education system where merit is protected, transparency is upheld, and accountability is never compromised,” the statement added.
