Protests Erupt in Delhi Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak

Protests have intensified in Delhi as various groups rally against the alleged leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper. Activist Sonam Wangchuk and other leaders are urging demonstrators to maintain peace amidst rising tensions.

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the ongoing protests, took to social media platform X on Thursday. He appealed to demonstrators, saying, "PEACE & ONLY PEACE IS MY WAY… While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful I’m pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence.”

His statement comes in light of reports suggesting that certain individuals may be attempting to incite unrest during the demonstrations. In response, the Delhi Police reassured the public on social media that there were no plans to crack down on protesters that evening, urging people to ignore misinformation circulating online.

Senior political figures have also weighed in on the situation. Former Bharatiya Janata Party leader Murli Manohar Joshi denounced the use of force against female protesters, asserting that such actions risk alienating significant segments of society from the vision of a developed India. Joshi emphasised, "Use of force shall alienate large sections of Indian society from the national goal of Viksit Bharat."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that members of the INDIA coalition were heading to Gandhi Smriti to express solidarity with the students. He stated, "We go to remember the students we lost - the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak. And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today."

In a separate recommendation, former Indian Police Service officer Kiran Bedi suggested the use of civil defence volunteers during protests. She stated that these volunteers could serve as a buffer between demonstrators and law enforcement, thereby mitigating the risk of violent clashes. "The safest way to avert a confrontation between the students and police is to have a trained civil defence as the first line of defence and riot police as it is now," she added.

The protests have seen significant escalation, with numerous incidents of clashes between demonstrators and the police. Reports indicate that many participants in the demonstrations, particularly during the Cockroach Janata Party's march, were injured.

The situation remains fluid, with heightened security measures being implemented across various locations in the capital. Congress MP K C Venugopal expressed concern regarding the extensive police presence, likening the atmosphere to an emergency. "Emergency declared all over Delhi. They are making it like a war-like situation," he said.

In a cautionary note, a source from Delhi Police warned that individuals found to be involved in rioting could face severe consequences, including cancellation of their passports.

Sonam Wangchuk's health remains stable as he is currently under medical care in Gurugram. Medanta Hospital stated that he is being monitored by a team of healthcare professionals and that his vital signs are stable.

The protests over the NEET paper leak continue to attract attention from various political parties and civil society leaders, with many demanding accountability and changes in the education system. The situation is evolving, with further developments expected in the coming days.