AIDSO condemn police action against Wangchuk, seeks democratic dialogue
Members of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) staged a protest at Ramaswamy Circle in Mysuru on Saturday condemning the alleged forcible removal of
Members of the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO) staged a protest at Ramaswamy Circle in Mysuru on Saturday condemning the alleged forcible removal of educationist and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk and other hunger-strike protesters by police in Delhi, and demanded that the Centre immediately initiate democratic talks with them. Addressing the demonstration, AIDSO State vice-president Abhaya Diwakar alleged that ‘irregularities’ in examinations conducted by the Testing Agency (NTA), including the NEET-UG examination, had jeopardised the future of lakhs of students.
Referring to nationwide protests seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, he claimed that the government’s failure to engage with Mr. Wangchuk, whose hunger strike had entered its 20th day, reflected an ‘anti-democratic attitude’. The organisation condemned what it described as the government’s ‘dictatorial’ action in allegedly removing Mr. Wangchuk and other fasting protesters from the protest site without holding discussions. Social activist Ugranarasimhegowda said it was the government’s responsibility in a democracy to respond to people’s grievances and criticised what he termed the suppression of dissent.
Karnataka Mahila Vishwavidyalaya Vice-Chancellor Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda alleged that the Centre had ignored widespread public anger over examination irregularities and demanded accountability. Janapada Seva Trust representative Santhosh Kaulagi said the issue of question paper leaks should not be politicised and criticised attempts to discredit protests. Women’s activist Rati Rao described student participation in the agitation as a symbol of self-respect and sought justice for the protesters. Social activist G.P. Basavaraju urged the government to immediately hold talks with the protesters at Jantar Mantar.
The protesters demanded that the Centre immediately begin democratic discussions with Mr. Wangchuk and other hunger strikers, sought the resignation of Mr. Pradhan, and called for the abolition of the Testing Agency (NTA). AIDSO Mysuru District Secretary Nitin, District president Chandrakala, vice-president Swathi and other office-bearers, along with students from various colleges, participated in the protest.
The BriefWire