Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, JUL 25 (NPN): The Dimapur Sumi Students’ Union (DSSU) and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Nagaland unit on Saturday staged separate peaceful protests in Dimapur over alleged irregularities in the country’s examination system, demanding accountability, justice for affected students and comprehensive reforms to ensure a transparent and fair education system.
Although organised independently, both protests were held at the Naga Shopping Arcade (Super Market area), Dimapur, at different times during the day.
DSSU: Addressing the gathering, DSSU president Kiyeka V. Assumi said the alleged NEET paper leak had deeply affected students across the country. He demanded strict action against those involved and called for a free and fair opportunity for all students.
Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) president Hinoto P. Aomi said the protest was not about politics but about justice. He maintained that students demanding justice and accountability was a democratic right and appealed to the gathering to protest peacefully while remaining focused on the issue.
Dimapur Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union (DENSU) president Thongule Sangtam urged students and parents to collectively raise their voices for the benefit of students. He said if parents failed to speak up now, they would have no right to complain when their children faced similar problems and injustices in the future.
Others who addressed the gathering included former DSSU vice president Roka Rochill, DNSU general secretary Michael Kath, Naga Youth Movement member Idizeung Naga, among others.
The peaceful protest drew around 200 participants, mostly students, many of whom carried placards bearing messages such as “We studied, You failed”, “Plot twist, the youths are awake”, “We want fair exams, not scams” and “Failed accountability = Resignation”.
CJP: Despite the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Nagaland state unit on Saturday staged peaceful protest in Dimapur, reiterating its demands for justice for victims and comprehensive reforms in the education system.
Addressing the gathering, Imtitangit Pongener read out the names of individuals who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy, highlighting what he described as the human cost of examination irregularities. He also reminded the gathering that governments are elected by the people and remain accountable to them.
Naga Youth Movement member Kuhoto Naga expressed disappointment over the low turnout at the protest and questioned whether parents were concerned about their children’s future.
Calling for greater public participation, he said collective action was essential and remarked that “little drops of water make a mighty ocean.”
Another speaker, Javed Ahmed, criticised the condition of the education system, saying the resignation of the education minister alone would not address its deeper problems. He called for comprehensive reforms and advocated stricter legal provisions, including making examination paper leaks a non-bailable offence.
Social activist Akavi N. Zhimomi described the day as “historic” and congratulated the youth for what he termed a significant development following the minister’s resignation. He said even a single voice could bring about change and encouraged people not to fear standing against corruption.
Protesters reiterated CJP’s key demands, including Rs.1 crore compensation for the families of victims allegedly affected by the examination scandal and the withdrawal of legal cases filed against protesters.
The demonstration, attended largely by Gen Z participants, also featured several speakers who expressed concern over the relatively low participation of young people and parents.