Karnataka Forum Protests Police Action Against NEET Agitators, Demands Probe
Members of the Prajasattatmaka Chintana Vedike (Forum for Democratic Thought), along with students, activists, and civil society members, staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Friday. They condemned the police action against NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and demanded that the Union government address concerns over alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination.
The protesters assembled at Jagat Circle in the morning and marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans in support of the students’ movement. They accused the Union government of suppressing democratic dissent instead of addressing grievances related to the NEET exam.
Activist K. Neela said students had been protesting at Jantar Mantar for several weeks, demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in NEET and reforms in the examination system. Referring to education activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike in support of the students, she alleged that the BJP-led Union government had failed to engage with those raising concerns despite the prolonged agitation.
Activist R.K. Hudgi alleged that repeated question paper leaks had undermined the credibility of the examination system and caused distress among students who had spent months preparing. He demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities and stringent action against those responsible.
The agitators condemned what they described as the use of force against protesters during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and the “Parliament Chalo” march in New Delhi. They alleged that police personnel and private groups had assaulted peaceful protesters, including students and women.
Meenakshi Bali alleged that several protesters sustained injuries and described the action as an attack on democratic rights and the constitutional guarantee of peaceful protest. She also criticised the alleged detention of Mr. Wangchuk at the protest site and demanded an impartial inquiry.
The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner urging the Union government to ensure a fair and transparent examination system, conduct a comprehensive probe into the NEET paper leak, take action against those responsible, and safeguard the right to peaceful protest.
Members of the vedike, including R.G. Shetgar, Arjun Bhadre, Mareppa Halli, Mahesh, Padmini Kiranagi, and Lavitra Vastrad, participated in the protest.
