Aizawl, Jul 24 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday expressed solidarity with students protesting the alleged NEET examination paper leak, saying his government stands with young people demanding fairness and transparency in the country’s medical entrance examination system.
Addressing a gathering in Kawrthah North during a function celebrating the village’s national ‘Clean & Green Panchayat’ Award, the chief minister referred to the nationwide protests triggered by the alleged repeated paper leaks and noted that students in Aizawl had also taken to the streets over the past two days.
“We stand in solidarity with our youth. We also support and empathise with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading a peaceful movement on this issue,” Lalduhoma said.
The chief minister’s remarks came amid growing protests across the country over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, with student groups demanding accountability and reforms in the conduct of competitive examinations.
They also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On Wednesday, hundreds of students from various institutions and schools had staged a massive demonstration in Aizawl to express solidarity with their fellow students and peers in Delhi, who are currently protesting against repeated NEET paper leaks.
During the peaceful demonstration held outside Vanapa Hall here, the protesters raised slogans demanding the resignation of Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leaks.
They had also demanded stringent punishment for wrongdoers and justice and compensation for relatives of students, who died by suicide due to the recent paper leaks.
The protesting students blamed the BJP-led NDA government for allegedly jeopardising their career.
Organised by the influential students’ body, the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), thousands of students also took to the streets in Aizawl, Lunglei and other parts of the state on Thursday, demanding a complete overhaul of the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure a more transparent, fair, and secure examination system.
They also demanded that the Centre compensate the next of kin of the students who died by suicide due to the paper leaks.
The protesters also condemned Delhi Police for allegedly using force against demonstrators during a massive protest in the national capital on Monday, demanding that “such high-handedness not be repeated”.
BJP’s Mizoram unit has also backed the students demanding a fair investigation into the alleged NEET paper leaks.
In a statement, the BJP said students across the country have the right to demand fairness and transparency in competitive examinations, including NEET, saying the protests reflected genuine concerns and could pave the way for examination reforms.
The party also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for initiating measures to bring those involved in the alleged paper leak to justice through fast-track courts. PTI CORR ACD
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