SHILLONG, JUL 20: Dozens of students gathered at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah on Monday in a social media-driven protest backed by Thma U Rangli-juki (TUR), demanding accountability for exam paper leaks and urgent reforms in education.
The demonstration also voiced support for activist Sonam Wangchuk and students on hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, Delhi, for more than 20 days.
TUR leader Angela Rangad said the protest emerged organically online.
“Nobody knows who started this. Youngsters just decided to meet at Don Bosco Square. It shows the concern and responsibility students are taking,” she said.
Criticizing the Centre, Rangad said the crisis goes beyond NEET.
“Paper leaks are happening at state level too. Education is becoming expensive and privatized, with no quality. And then students are insulted and called ‘cockroaches’. That is the contempt this government has,” she said.
Rangad said the issue is also local. Meghalaya ranks last in the PGI index with the poorest learning outcomes in the country.
“Instead of paying teachers better, we get guidebooks. Infrastructure alone isn’t education. Empty buildings without quality teaching help no one,” she said.
“Education is a state and central subject. There’s a lot we can do here. Students are leading — the government must follow,” she added.
Protesters held signs reading “Our dreams are not for sale”, “Justice for students who died due to paper leaks”, and “We stand with Jantar Mantar”.
One student said, “Meghalaya was known for education. Now it’s falling. We want safety for Sonam and everyone protesting in Delhi.”
Another directly addressed the Union Education Minister:
“Many students died by suicide over paper leaks and the government is silent. Dharmendra Pradhan should resign,” she said.
By Our Reporter
