Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 20 (NPN): Hundreds of students and citizens gathered at Naga Shopping Arcade (Super Market) area, Dimapur, on Monday to stage a peaceful protest in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstration was organised by content creator Durlov Doley in collaboration with Max Naga and a conglomeration of students and CJP supporters.
Protesters displayed placards reading, “Every student deserves fair exams and equal opportunities”, “We stand for quality education and a better future”, “Peace is our choice, justice is our demand”, “Stop failing students, fix the education system”, “Our future is not a scandal– students deserve better”, “BABU-G! It’s time to resign” and “404 ERROR! Accountable Government not found”, among others.
Addressing the gathering, Naga Youth Movement leader Kuhoto Naga questioned the role of leadership within Naga society, particularly criticising the absence of student leaders at a protest centred on education. Beginning his speech by asking how many student leaders had turned up to address students’ issues, he noted that no one responded. He asserted that issues relating to education should primarily be led by student bodies.
He maintained that Naga society was not progressing because people were not fulfilling the responsibilities expected of them, stressing that every section of society had clearly defined roles and must remain accountable.
In a sarcastic remark, Kuhoto said the absence of student leaders could perhaps be attributed to them not being formally invited, referring to what he described as a growing tendency in Naga society where people refrain from participating unless invited.
Also addressing the gathering, Khrolo Baba questioned the lack of unity among Naga students and urged greater participation in such movements. Claiming that Nagas lacked unity, he asked where the rest of the students were and challenged them not to remain “keyboard warriors” on social media but to come out and raise their voices for their future. He also appealed to parents to actively participate in such protests, stating that their silence would directly affect their children’s future.
Another participant, Rehman, criticised the Union Education Minister over the alleged NEET examination paper leak, claiming it had severely affected students. He also alleged that many students had died by suicide following the controversy and said accountability must be fixed.
“The education minister does not deserve to hold the post. Many students have suffered, and accountability must be fixed,” he said.
Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, calling for accountability in the education system, greater student participation and urgent reforms to safeguard the future of students.