Bengal student groups, CJP demand release of NEET protesters; march against NTA, NEP 2020 announced

 

A coalition of Left student organisations in West Bengal and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded the immediate release of students and protesters arrested following the recent NEET-related demonstrations in Kolkata. The groups have also called for the withdrawal of cases filed against protesters and reiterated their demand for the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The demands come after police action following a protest march over the alleged NEET paper leak, which led to multiple arrests and triggered criticism from several student organisations.

Student groups announce fresh protest march

Left student organisations have announced a protest march from Shyambazar to College Street on July 28 at 2:30 pm.

According to the organisers, the march will raise three key demands:

• Scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA)
• Withdrawal of cases registered against protesters across the country
• Opposition to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The demonstration is expected to bring together members of several student bodies and youth organisations.

CJP raises concerns over arrests

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that students and protesters were being targeted in multiple states following demonstrations over examination-related issues.

In a statement posted on social media, Das said the organisation had received reports of students being detained or arrested in West Bengal, Assam and Bihar, and urged authorities to drop what it described as "false cases" against protesters.

Student organisations criticise police action

Leaders of several student organisations expressed concern over the manner in which arrests were carried out.

AISA state president Ritam Majhi condemned attacks on journalists during the protests but also alleged that students and youth, particularly from minority communities, were being harassed in the aftermath of the demonstrations. He further criticised the reported barefoot parading of an accused during a police reconstruction exercise, describing it as a violation of human dignity.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) said the movement would continue despite the resignation of the Union Education Minister, arguing that its central demand for the abolition of the NTA remained unresolved. The organisation also alleged that arrests were being carried out selectively.

Meanwhile, the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) criticised the use of the Anti-Goonda Act, alleging that a majority of those arrested belonged to the Muslim community. The organisation called for the repeal of the legislation and demanded that no criminal cases be filed against peaceful protesters.

Debate over protests continues

The arrests following the Kolkata protest have intensified the debate over the handling of student demonstrations and examination reforms. While student organisations have accused authorities of targeting protesters and curbing democratic dissent, officials have maintained that legal action has been taken in accordance with the law.

With another protest march planned, the controversy surrounding the NEET demonstrations and demands for examination reforms is expected to remain a prominent issue in West Bengal's political and educational landscape.