The Sadar Hills District Congress Committee (SHDCC) on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led Centre, accusing it of "destroying the future of India's students" through repeated examination paper leaks, alleged politicisation of educational institutions and the use of force against peaceful protesters demanding accountability.
The district Congress unit extended solidarity to students, parents and citizens participating in nationwide protests over alleged examination paper leaks, and condemned what it described as the "brutal assault" on demonstrators by the Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and personnel allegedly operating without proper identification.
The SHDCC alleged that repeated leaks of major examinations, including NEET and CBSE papers, had severely eroded public confidence in the country's education system and accused the BJP government of failing to safeguard the aspirations of millions of students.
It further claimed that national educational bodies, including the National Testing Agency (NTA), had been "captured" by the RSS and its affiliates, while citing recent warnings issued by Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University against students participating in protests at Jantar Mantar as evidence of what it termed growing suppression of democratic dissent on campuses.
Turning to Manipur, the Congress unit alleged that the ethnic violence that erupted on May 3, 2023, under the BJP government had "irreparably damaged" the academic future of thousands of students across the state.
It said the prolonged unrest had created widespread fear, stress, depression and uncertainty among students, while disrupting access to educational facilities and forcing many students from the hill districts to travel outside Manipur to appear for competitive and professional entrance examinations.
"The continued suffering of students is a direct consequence of the complete failure of both the state and Union governments to restore normalcy," the statement alleged.
The SHDCC also expressed regret over its inability to organise a proposed candlelight march in Kangpokpi in solidarity with protesting students, citing the prevailing security situation in the district.
Reiterating the Congress party's support for the student movement, the committee said party leaders at the national, state and district levels would continue to stand with students until their demands were addressed.
The organisation demanded the resignation of the Union Education Minister, strict action against those responsible for the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters and an unconditional apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the student community.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128
