Mysuru: Student groups decry police crackdown on ‘Samsad Chalo’ protesters

Members of the All India Democratic Students Organization (AIDSO) and allied organizations held a protest at Ramaswamy Circle on Tuesday, July 21, condemning the police’s lathi charge and use of tear gas on protesters during the ‘Samsad Chalo’ march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.

AIDSO regional president Chandrakala claimed that the students and youth participating in the march were demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of irregularities in the Central exams. She criticized the police for denying permission to the march despite it having been announced well in advance, and said the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right.

Police action was undemocratic: AIDSO

Claiming that the police action was undemocratic, he appealed to students across the country to raise their voices against the crackdown and the Centre’s handling of the issue.

All India Mahila Samskrutika Sanghatane (AIMSS) district vice president Seema demanded the immediate resignation of the Union Education Minister for allegedly failing to ensure transparency in the Central exams. He also condemned allegations of police excesses against female protesters.

All India Democratic Youth Organization (AIDYO) district president Sunil called the police action a “brutal attack” on students and youth and alleged that the Center was trying to suppress protests over the alleged leak of NEET question paper. He called for the closure of the National Testing Agency (NTA), claiming it did not conduct exams fairly.

AIDSO district secretary Nitin, AIDSO, AIDYO and AIMSS officials along with students from various colleges participated in the demonstration.