Students Condemn Police Action Against Protesters in Shillong

Shillong, India Jul 25, 2026 ALN: SHILLONG/TURA, July 24: Student organisations across India have voiced strong condemnation of the alleged excessive use of force by Delhi police against peaceful student protesters on July 20. This incident has sparked a nationwide agitation that calls for accountability regarding competitive examination paper leaks and demands systemic reforms within the education sector. The protests are emblematic of broader frustrations among students regarding the integrity and fairness of educational assessments and the recruitment processes that affect their futures.

The North East Students' Organisation (NESO), a coalition of student bodies from the northeastern states of India, has taken a leading role in expressing outrage over the police's actions. NESO chairman Samuel B. Jyrwa described the police response, which reportedly included baton charges, the deployment of tear gas, and the presence of plainclothes personnel armed with lathis, as a "brutal and excessive" reaction to unarmed students exercising their right to peaceful assembly. Jyrwa's comments reflect a growing concern about the erosion of democratic values and constitutional rights in India, particularly in the context of dissent and public protest.

Jyrwa further criticized the central government for what NESO characterized as an insensitive approach to issues that directly impact millions of students. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue to address the students' grievances, he argued that authorities have opted for repression and intimidation. This response has raised alarms among many observers who see it as indicative of a broader trend of suppressing dissent in the country.

The students' protests have centered around several critical issues, including repeated incidents of examination paper leaks, which have raised questions about the integrity of the competitive examination system. Protesters are demanding greater transparency, accountability, fairness, and integrity in both recruitment and examination processes. These demands resonate with many students who feel that the current system is fraught with inconsistencies and injustices that undermine their future prospects.

In Shillong, a significant gathering of students from North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) took place, organized by the NEHU Students’ Union and the NEHU KSU. The students carried placards and banners, expressing solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party and the broader youth movement demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This gathering was not only a show of support for the protests in New Delhi but also a clear expression of discontent regarding the government’s handling of the situation.

Senior professor Dr. Prasenjit Biswas articulated a sentiment that has been echoed by many in the academic community, stating that "murderers of democracy are ruling and spoiling the country." His remarks underscore the belief that the current political climate is stifling free expression and democratic engagement. He also lamented the imposition of a flawed National Education Policy without adequate discussion, suggesting that such policies have detrimental effects on students and the education system as a whole. The introduction of the Central Universities Entrance Test (CUET) has been criticized as a mechanism that prioritizes financial gain over educational accessibility.

Prof. Lakhon Kma further emphasized that the right to protest is a fundamental aspect of democracy, noting that NEHU has faced significant challenges over the past two-and-a-half years due to systemic failures within the education sector. This perspective highlights the intersection of academic concerns and broader societal issues, as students feel increasingly marginalized by policies that do not serve their interests.

During the gathering in Shillong, students expressed unwavering support for the ongoing protests and cautioned the government against underestimating the resolve of the youth. A candlelight vigil was held to honor the young students who lost their lives in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy, and a minute of silence was observed in their memory. This act of remembrance serves as a poignant reminder of the human stakes involved in the ongoing struggle for educational reform.

In a show of empathy, Mehtab Chandee, wife of NPP leader and Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, urged the central government to listen to the students' concerns with compassion and patience. She acknowledged the genuine nature of their grievances and emphasized that students are integral members of society and represent the future. Chandee's comments highlight the need for a more responsive and responsible approach from the government, particularly in addressing the concerns raised by the youth.

Chandee also addressed the NEET examination's original intent—to facilitate placements and enhance transparency—but noted that the current situation suggests that there are underlying issues that must be addressed. Her call for a thorough investigation into the problems plaguing the examination process reflects a growing demand for accountability from educational authorities.

In the East Garo Hills, the Garo Students’ Union (Eastern Zone) organized a peaceful gathering outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Williamnagar, where they expressed solidarity with education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk and the students’ movement in New Delhi. This gathering highlighted the challenges faced by the education system, particularly in rural and remote areas, where issues such as inadequate infrastructure, poor classroom conditions, and a shortage of qualified teachers are prevalent. The lack of resources and opportunities in these regions has exacerbated educational disparities, leading to calls for comprehensive reforms.

A memorandum was submitted to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma through the East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, outlining several urgent reforms needed in the education sector. These include improving infrastructure and connectivity, recruiting qualified teachers, decentralizing educational opportunities, minimizing non-teaching assignments, strengthening digital education, establishing district-level competitive examination coaching centers, and introducing meaningful career guidance and skill development programs. Such measures are seen as essential for creating a more equitable and effective educational landscape.

Meanwhile, members of the Voice of the People Party Youth Wing joined the ongoing protests led by the CJP at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where they presented a letter of solidarity to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. This delegation, which traveled to participate in the protests from July 23 to 26, expressed that the objectives of the CJP movement align closely with their own campaign for transparency and accountability in education. The letter, signed by key members of the VPP Youth Wing, reaffirms their commitment to the ongoing agitation and highlights the solidarity among various youth organizations across the country.

The events unfolding in Shillong, Tura, and New Delhi are part of a larger narrative of youth activism in India, where students are increasingly vocal about their rights and the need for systemic change in the education sector. As the protests continue, the implications for educational policy and governance in India remain significant, with the potential to reshape the landscape of higher education and student engagement in the democratic process.