Shillong, July 22: The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has announced a public protest rally in Shillong on July 23 to express solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and to condemn the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators.
Speaking to the media in Shillong on Wednesday, HYC General Secretary Bah Emlang Sawian said the rally will begin at 4:00 PM at Khyndailad, and appealed to students, civil society organisations, intellectuals and members of the public to participate peacefully.
Sawian said the protest is intended to support students demanding justice over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and to reaffirm the importance of democracy, justice and constitutional values.
He urged all participants to maintain peace, discipline and non-violence throughout the programme, stating that the movement is aimed at safeguarding the future and interests of students across the country.
The HYC also welcomed reports that representatives of the protesting students had met the Union Health Minister and expressed hope that the Central Government would engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, the organisation strongly condemned the alleged remarks made by the Meghalaya BJP Yuva Morcha President, who was reported to have suggested that the protesting students should be “shot” and that sedition charges should be invoked against them.
Describing the reported comments as irresponsible and dangerous, the HYC said no democratic society should tolerate statements that appear to encourage violence against peaceful protesters. The organisation demanded that the BJP leadership initiate disciplinary action against the youth leader and seek his resignation from the post.
Reiterating its appeal, the HYC urged students, youth and the general public to join the peaceful rally in large numbers as a show of solidarity with the protesting students and in support of democratic principles.
