Hundreds of students from schools and educational institutions across Mizoram staged a protest in Aizawl on Wednesday, expressing solidarity with demonstrators in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstration was held in front of Vanapa Hall, where students raised slogans calling for accountability in the conduct of the national medical entrance examination. Protesters also demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities and sought justice for students whose academic future they said had been affected.
Placards and slogans reflected wider concerns over unemployment, education and governance. Among the slogans raised were “Modi ko hatao, Desh Bachao” and “We want freedom from poverty, we want freedom from unemployment”. The protesters urged the authorities to ensure transparency in competitive examinations and prevent similar incidents in the future.
The protest in Aizawl came days after thousands of people gathered near Parliament in New Delhi during the Monsoon Session to demand the resignation of the Union Education Minister over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. The demonstration in the national capital had witnessed clashes between protesters and police.
In Aizawl, participants also demanded compensation for students who they claimed had suffered because of the alleged examination irregularities. They called for those found responsible to face stringent punishment and stressed the need to restore confidence in the country’s examination system.
The students further expressed solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, saying they supported his campaign for students’ rights. They accused the BJP-led NDA government of failing to safeguard students’ interests and putting their future at risk.
The protest drew participation from both indigenous Mizo students and students belonging to other communities, making it one of the larger student demonstrations held in the state on the issue.
The opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) extended its support to the protest, describing it as a courageous effort by students to defend their rights and seek accountability. The party said students were justified in opposing any attempt to undermine equal opportunities through alleged abuse of power.
Although the MNF is an ally of the NDA at the Centre, it said the strong turnout at the protest reflected growing concern among young people over corruption and misuse of authority. The party added that the demand for justice for affected students and punishment for those found guilty was legitimate.
