The Tripura Pradesh Youth Congress on Monday organised a large-scale protest in Agartala, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and several other issues affecting students and the general public.
The demonstration witnessed the participation of a large number of party workers and supporters, along with senior state Congress leaders. Protesters marched peacefully through the city, carrying placards and raising slogans in support of their demands.
Police and security forces stopped the process at Akahura road before they march towards official residence of Chief Minister and after brief scuffle with forces, police resorted water cannons to disperse the agitators.
Later, police also arrested some Youth Congress activists including Youth Congress state president Neelkamal Saha and others.
Addressing the gathering, Youth Congress leaders alleged that irregularities in competitive examinations have jeopardised the future of students and called for greater transparency and accountability in the examination process. They also highlighted a range of public concerns and pledged to continue their campaign on issues affecting students and citizens.
The protest comes amid growing nationwide concerns over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), one of India's most important entrance examinations for medical admissions.
Earlier this month, thousands of students participated in a major demonstration in Chitradurga, Karnataka, protesting alleged irregularities and reports of a paper leak in the NEET-UG examination. The protest was led by National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) National President Vinod Jakhar, Karnataka State President Kirthi Ganesh, and Chitradurga District President Kiran Yadav.
Students from different parts of the district assembled to demand accountability from the Union Ministry of Education and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Speaking at the rally, Vinod Jakhar alleged that the future of more than 22 lakh NEET aspirants had been compromised due to administrative failures and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with the dissolution of the NTA.
Karnataka NSUI President Kirthi Ganesh said repeated controversies surrounding the examination had caused significant stress and uncertainty among students and parents. District President Kiran Yadav coordinated the mobilisation of students for the protest.
The NSUI has announced plans to intensify protests across the country, demanding what it described as complete transparency, a Supreme Court-monitored investigation, and justice for affected students.
Meanwhile, officials from the Union Ministry of Education and the NTA have denied allegations of a widespread paper leak, stating that investigations into reported malpractices are ongoing. The NEET-UG examination was conducted earlier this year for admission to undergraduate medical courses across the country.