NT Reporter
Mapusa
Extending support to the ongoing student movement, hundreds of youths gathered at Lohia Garden in Mapusa on Friday evening for a peaceful solidarity protest against the NEET paper leaks, examination irregularities and police action against student protesters in Delhi.
A large number of youths and others participated in the gathering, along with Bollywood actor Abhishek Banerjee and social activists. The protesters raised slogans including ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. They also sang songs such as ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ and ‘Give Me Some Sunshine’ to express their resolve.
Several social activists from Goa, including Cecil Rodrigues, Francis Coelho, Sudeep Dalvi and Chetan Kamat, attended the protest.
The organisers had informed the Mapusa Police and the Mapusa Municipal Council in writing about the peaceful protest. However, no formal permission was granted by the authorities.
When protesters arrived at Lohia Garden in the evening, the main entrance was initially closed but was later opened as the crowd increased.
“We did not have permission to use loudspeakers, but we thank the police and the municipality for their cooperation,” CJP member and one of the organisers, Pujan Malvankar, said.
He said they had gathered with one motive — to make India better, to improve India’s education system, to ensure students get their rights and, most importantly, to demand government accountability.
Activist Armeen Sheikh said the government had started responding to the demands raised by students.
“We are thankful that the government has started listening. We are also on
the country’s side. Our methods may be different, but our goal is the same,” Sheikh said.
Commenting on the Centre’s anti-paper leak Bill, Sheikh said it was a good step and the first step towards success, but it was the bare minimum.
“Students had to fight
for so many days to get this response, which is sad. I personally feel the government owes an apology to the students for responding so late. The Education Minister also owes an apology because he holds the position and is accountable Sheikh said.
Banerjee, known for his role in the film ‘Stree’, said the anger over the issue was not limited to Delhi. “Everyone should come out in support of the students. The future of our youth is at stake,” Banerjee said.
