Shillong, July 23: Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) president Roy Kupar Synrem on Thursday expressed disappointment over the low participation of Khasi youth in the organisation’s solidarity rally held in Shillong in support of students protesting against the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

Addressing the gathering at Khyndailad, Synrem said the rally was not a political programme but a movement to defend fairness, transparency and public trust in India’s examination system.

He said any compromise in the integrity of competitive examinations would have serious consequences for lakhs of deserving students who rely on merit to secure admissions and employment opportunities.

Expressing concern over the turnout, Synrem said it was unfortunate that only a small number of indigenous Khasi youth joined the protest despite the issue having far-reaching implications for students across the country.

He noted that many non-local residents living and working in Shillong had participated in the rally to express solidarity, while a large section of Khasi youth remained absent.

Stressing the importance of education as the foundation of a progressive society, Synrem said an examination system tainted by malpractice denies deserving students equal opportunities and undermines public confidence.

He urged people not to view the issue through regional, ethnic or political lenses, saying the fight against examination malpractice is a collective effort to safeguard the future of the younger generation.

Concluding his address, the HYC president appealed to Khasi youth, civil society organisations and the general public to remain vigilant and actively participate in issues concerning education and justice. He cautioned that silence in the face of such challenges could weaken the integrity of institutions, adding that protecting students’ future is a shared responsibility of society.