The protest against the alleged NEET paper leak reached Jalandhar on Saturday as students gathered outside the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protesters said they would continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
The demonstration in Jalandhar comes amid the ongoing nationwide protests over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and students claimed that they are seeking accountability and transparency in the examination process. They raised slogans and staged a sit-in outside the DC office, urging the government to take action.
The protest also follows developments in Delhi, where demonstrations are continuing at Jantar Mantar and according to the protesters, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who recently contracted typhoid, released a video message stating that the movement would continue despite his illness.
The students in Jalandhar said they stand in solidarity with the ongoing protests and would continue raising their voices until the Union Education Minister resigns.
In view of the protest, the district administration and Jalandhar Police remained on high alert throughout the day and security around the Deputy Commissioner's office was significantly strengthened to ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful and that public movement was not disrupted.
Police personnel were deployed at key points around the DC complex, while barricades were installed on major roads leading to the office to regulate traffic and prevent any untoward incident and officials closely monitored the situation and coordinated with police teams to maintain law and order.
Administrative officials stated that they are willing to engage in dialogue with the protesting students and listen to their concerns, however, they also made it clear that no disruption to public peace or traffic movement would be allowed during the protest.
Meanwhile, the students received support from farmer organisations and farmer leader Joginder Ugrahan announced that farmers would march to Delhi on July 27 to express solidarity with the students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.