Student organisations and civil society groups staged protests in Dimapur over the NEET paper leak, demanding accountability, education reforms, and justice for students.
DIMAPUR — Students and leaders of several organisations participated in a protest rally organised by the Dimapur Sumi Students' Union (DSSU) at Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur, on Thursday, voicing concerns over India's education system in the wake of the NEET paper leak controversy.
The rally was followed by a separate protest organised by CJP Nagaland at the same venue in support of CJP’s other demands.
Demonstrators carried placards bearing slogans such as "While we study, they leak the paper," "Sonam Wangchuk stands, Government sleeps," and "We studied, you failed," reflecting widespread anger and frustration among students.
Addressing the gathering, Dimapur Naga Students' Union (DNSU) president Hinoto P Aomi demanded accountability over the NEET paper leak.
"Demanding justice is not politics. Demanding accountability is not politics. It is our democratic right," Aomi said.
Urging students to remain peaceful and united, he cautioned against internal divisions weakening the movement.
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"If we stay in unity, our voices grow stronger. Division weakens us," he said, adding that organisers and speakers should remain focused on the issue and avoid using the platform to settle unrelated grievances.
Aomi also highlighted several longstanding concerns affecting students, including rising tuition fees, high textbook prices, issues related to the mid-day meal scheme, alleged encroachment on school properties, and the mandatory imposition of Sanskrit.
Responding to criticism over the DNSU's absence from an earlier CJP protest, Aomi clarified that the union had been informed at short notice and was given insufficient time to coordinate its participation.
Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students' Union (DENSU) president Thongule Sangtam called on students and parents to unite in demanding justice.
"If we do not raise our voices now and instead sit at home, we will have no right to complain when our own children face these same injustices," he said.
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Naga Youth Movement (NYM) member Idizeung Naga said the focus should not be limited to the Centre but should also include Nagaland's own systemic shortcomings.
"Our own kitchen is not clean either," he remarked.
He stressed that accountability should transcend political affiliations.
"No matter which party you belong to—BJP, Congress, NPF, or any other—a wrongdoer is still wrong," he said.
He urged students, parents and the public to step out of their comfort zones and demand accountability from elected representatives, government officials and others in positions of authority.
Nagaland Collaborative Progressive Forum (NCPF) vice-president Sumpi K Jagru called for systemic reforms rather than a blame game.
"We are not against any individual or any government. We are against irresponsibility, injustice, and any system that denies honest students a fair opportunity," she said.
During the subsequent CJP protest, NYM member Kuhoto Naga criticised what he described as society's silence in the face of injustice.
"We are living in an era where we have to fight for what is rightfully ours, and that really hurts," he said.
Referring to the low turnout, he said public participation reflected a deeper social apathy.
"Everyone talks about change and wants a better society, but when the time comes to stand up, people step back. That is why we continue to lag behind," he said.
Another speaker, H Chingsak Konyak, said the NEET paper leak was symptomatic of deeper institutional failures.
"The resignation of one Education Minister will not change the system. This is a disease that runs from top to bottom, and it does not matter whether it is Congress, NPF, or BJP. Any government must be questioned," he asserted.