Protests in Dharwad Condemn Police Action Against Students at Jantar Mantar

Dharwad: Scores of students and activists gathered at Vivekanand Circle in Dharwad on Tuesday to protest against the police action on student demonstrators at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi a day earlier.

The protest was organised by the All India Democratic Youth Organisation (AIDYO) and the All India Mahila Samskutika Sanghatane (AIMSS). Participants condemned the police lathi-charge and use of tear gas on the student protesters, and demanded the release of student leaders.

Madhulata Goudar, president of the Dharwad district unit of AIMSS, alleged that the Union government had misused the Delhi police to suppress a peaceful protest. She said the use of force exposed the government's undemocratic mindset.

Highlighting the issue of paper leaks, Goudar noted that over 80 such incidents have been reported in the past decade, eroding public trust in examinations. She urged the government to hold talks with students rather than adhere to its position, and demanded the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Bhavanishankar Gouda, district president of AIDYO, said it was condemnable that after 22 days of hunger strike, the government had not responded positively to student demands. He alleged that the government used oppressive measures to cover its failure. He also called for the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA) and measures to address unemployment.

Gouda also demanded immediate steps to protect the life of activist Sonam Wangchuk and called for continued protests to highlight the demands.

Office-bearers of both organisations, including Gangubai Kokare, Devamma Devatkal, Yallappa Dore, and Pratap Singh Jadhav, led the protest.