"Students are not terrorists": Shillong rally condemns crackdown on Jantar Mantar protest

SHILLONG, JUL 23: Hundreds of people gathered in a peaceful demonstration at Laitumkhrah, Shillong to express solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar against NEET paper leaks.

Organised as “a gathering of the people, for the people”, participants carried placards that read “All eyes on Jantar Mantar”, “You owe us a resignation”, “India of our dreams is bleeding in the streets”, “We see you, we stand with you”, “Think while it is still legal”, and “If you have any problem, the govt is here to make it worse.”

The protesters said the aim was to stand with students in Delhi who were allegedly beaten and tear-gassed by police during their protest.

“Students are not terrorists. They are exercising a democratic right to question the government,” said one participant.

“Beating them, using tear gas — this is not how a democracy responds. We are here to tell the students in Delhi they are not alone.”

Another protester, who came with her mother and family, said they were also remembering students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the paper leaks.

“We are here for them and for their families,” she said.

“The youth form the majority of this country and we must be able to practice our rights. The lathi charge was wrong. Many students were injured and hospitalised after a peaceful march. I hope the justice system stands with them.”

The protesters called for accountability from the government over the NEET controversy and urged that students be allowed to protest without fear of violence.

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