MPJ, JIH, IYM and SIO Condemn Lathi-Charge on Students, Educational Institutions’ Bandh

Proddatur, AP: The Movement for Peace and Justice (MPJ), JIH, IYM and SIO have strongly condemned the alleged lathi-charge by the Delhi Police on students protesting at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak and examination irregularities. Extending support to the Andhra Pradesh-wide bandh of educational institutions observed on Friday, the organisations demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, calling for accountability and a transparent probe into the alleged irregularities.

Organisations condemn police action

Addressing a protest held at Shivalayam Centre in Proddatur, leaders of the four organisations described the alleged use of force against peacefully protesting students as “inhumane.” They said the students were raising concerns over the NEET paper leak, irregularities in the examination system and the need to safeguard their academic future.

The leaders expressed concern that repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations have eroded the confidence of students and parents in the country’s examination system.

Demand for minister’s resignation and fair probe

The organisations called upon Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign, accepting moral responsibility for the alleged NEET paper leak.

They also demanded a transparent and impartial investigation into the matter, strict action against those found responsible and measures to ensure transparency and fairness in all competitive examinations conducted across the country.

Call to protect students’ democratic rights

The speakers asserted that the right to question government actions is a constitutional right in a democracy. Instead of suppressing student protests, they said, the government should engage with the students’ concerns and ensure justice.

They further demanded the withdrawal of cases reportedly registered against protesting students and action against those responsible for the alleged lathi-charge.

Support for educational institutions’ bandh

Reiterating that students represent the nation’s future, the organisations said it is the government’s responsibility to protect their rights, dignity and aspirations. They extended full support to the Andhra Pradesh educational institutions’ bandh organised in protest against the alleged police action.

Among those present were MPJ State General Secretary Shaik Salim, Town President Hushan Basha, and Secretary Mammadh Rafi; Jamaat-e-Islami Hind State Vice President NS Mohiddin, Town President Shafiullah, and Secretary Rahmatullah; IYM State Vice President Bepari Shafi and Town President Zabihullah; and SIO State Secretary Adil Umri, Town President Roshan Zameer, and Secretary Ijaz, and other leaders from the participating organisations.