SHILLONG : The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has expressed solidarity with the ongoing student protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and urged the Meghalaya government to make its position clear on the issue.
In a video statement issued on Thursday, VPP spokesperson Dr Airpiece W. Rani said the party stands in solidarity with students and citizens who are participating in the protest in the national capital.
According to Dr Rani, the agitation goes beyond the NEET issue and represents a wider demand to protect public institutions from corruption, nepotism and political interference.
The VPP spokesperson also criticised the alleged police action against protesters in Delhi. He claimed that demonstrators were subjected to lathi-charge and tear gas, with some reportedly being hospitalised due to injuries.
“Peaceful dissent and constitutional protest on genuine issues must be met with dialogue, not force,” Dr Rani said, while also expressing prayers for the speedy recovery of those who were injured.
He linked the developments in Delhi with concerns being raised in Meghalaya, stating that the VPP has also been demanding that institutions responsible for delivering public services should remain free from political pressure.
The VPP leader then questioned the Meghalaya government over its alleged silence on the developments in the national capital.
Dr Rani said several youths from Meghalaya are participating in the protest and that, at a time when they are facing action, people expect the Chief Minister and the state government to speak up for them.
“Instead, the state government has chosen to remain silent. Does this mean the government does not care about the youth and their future? Does it mean the government has no concern about the alleged irregularities? Or has the government of Meghalaya become a puppet in the hands of the Centre?” he asked.
Dr Rani also referred to a recent statement reportedly made by a partner in the MDA coalition, allegedly calling for protesters to be shot. He said that if the statement was accurately reported, it would reflect the approach of those in power.
The VPP spokesperson said the people of Meghalaya deserve to know where the state government stands on the issue.
He added that the concerns being raised by the protesters affect the youth of Meghalaya just as much as they affect young people across the country.