SHILLONG, JULY 24: The North East Students’ OrganiSation (NESO) has strongly condemned the police action during a student demonstration in New Delhi on July 20, calling it a violation of democratic rights and urging the Centre to engage with protesting students instead of resorting to force.
In a statement, NESO chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa said the use of batons, tear gas and the alleged presence of plainclothes personnel carrying lathis against unarmed demonstrators was “deeply disturbing” and amounted to an attack on the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
NESO said the protest centred on long-standing grievances faced by students across the country, including recurring leaks of competitive examination papers and a lack of transparency and accountability in recruitment and examination systems.
“These are not fringe issues. They concern the future of millions of young aspirants,” the statement said.
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“Rather than addressing the concerns through dialogue, the government chose the path of intimidation and repression.”
NESO said systemic failures and administrative negligence should not be allowed to undermine the efforts of students who prepare in good faith for national examinations.
The students’ body expressed solidarity with all those who participated in the peaceful march and extended support to those injured in the crackdown, wishing them a speedy recovery.
NESO called on the Government of India to open channels for sincere dialogue, fix accountability for the alleged use of excessive force, and introduce comprehensive reforms to rebuild trust in the examination and recruitment framework.
“Restoring credibility, fairness and integrity in these systems is urgent,” the organisation said, adding that the aspirations of students cannot be compromised by repeated lapses.
