Guwahati: People from different sections of society, along with several organisations, gathered in Shillong on Thursday to back students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for greater transparency in examinations.
Hundreds of residents took part in two solidarity programmes held at different locations in the city.
From 2 pm to 5 pm, Police Point in Laitumkhrah became the venue for one of the gatherings, where students, parents, teachers, professionals and senior citizens displayed placards carrying messages such as “Justice for NEET Aspirants”, “Protect Merit” and “Fair Exams for All.”
Participants said the programme was organised by ordinary citizens without any political affiliation and was aimed solely at supporting a fair and transparent examination system.
One student said years of preparation should not be undermined and that every aspirant deserves an examination where merit and hard work are fairly recognised.
Calling it a peaceful show of unity, another participant said those assembled in Shillong fully supported the students continuing their protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to another participant, the gathering was meant to demand transparency, accountability and justice for students rather than create confrontation.
Songs and dance performances by young participants added to the programme, which was attended by people across age groups.
In contrast to the heavy security deployment at Jantar Mantar, only minimal police presence was seen at the Shillong event, which concluded without any law-and-order problems.
At Khyndai Lad, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) organised another programme where participants criticised the alleged use of force against the students in Delhi.
Addressing the gathering, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said Meghalaya stood with the protesting students and condemned the alleged police action against them.
The programme also witnessed slogans demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Joining the programme as a concerned citizen, North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum also expressed support for the movement.
He later told reporters that the alleged examination paper leak and the reported police action against peacefully protesting students were unacceptable.
Supporting the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation, he said the Union government should accept responsibility for the alleged lapses. Nongrum was the only MLA or minister from Meghalaya to publicly back the movement.