Shillong, Jul 24: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), through its units in colleges across the state staged protests in their respective campuses on Friday as a mark of solidarity and concern over the ongoing agitation in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
The protests were held at the North Eastern Hill University, North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda & Homoeopathy, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya and Regional Institute of Science and Technology and Mahatma Gandhi University in Ri Bho.
As a tribute to the 20 students who died by suicide following the NEET question paper leak, the students also observed a one-minute silence and held candlelight vigils to express condolences to the bereaved families.
In the past few days, the KSU unit in Delhi also participated in and extended support to the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest.
In a statement, the KSU condemned the excessive, unlawful, and unconstitutional use of force by the police against students participating in the peaceful protest in New Delhi on July 20 are not only unacceptable but also reflect the authoritarian nature of the government.
The KSU also criticised the government and said it lack empathy and seriousness on an issue. Instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue and seeking solutions, the authorities chose to respond with force and intimidation, which goes against the spirit of democracy and the Constitution, the KSU said.
Pointing out that the students’ demands are legitimate, legally grounded that deserve urgent attention from the government, the union asserted that the hard work, aspirations, and future of lakhs of students cannot be allowed to be destroyed by poor governance, corruption, or lack of accountability by those in authority.
Further, the KSU said it will continue to extend its support to the protest in Delhi and will also pursue other means to ensure reforms and transformation in the country’s education system.
Meanwhile, the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) has condemned the police action during the protest terming it as an “assault on democratic values.”
In a statement, NESO Chairman Samuel B Jyrwa said criticised the centre for responding with “repression and intimidation” instead of dialogue. He said the students’ demands on paper leaks and the need for transparency and integrity in examinations were legitimate and required urgent action.
Expressing solidarity with the protesters and concern for those injured, NESO urged the centre to address the grievances through dialogue, fix accountability for the crackdown, and bring comprehensive reforms to restore credibility in the recruitment and examination systems.
