Prominent Figures Rally Behind Students Amid Growing Protests Over Exam Irregularities

The ongoing youth-led protests across India against alleged discrepancies in competitive examinations have sparked widespread attention and support from various celebrities. Notable figures from the film industry and sports have voiced their solidarity with the demonstrators, particularly in light of recent police actions during the protests.

High-profile actors, including Salman Khan and Alia Bhatt, have taken to social media to express their backing for the students, while others, such as Shabana Azmi and Huma Qureshi, have physically joined the protests in cities like Delhi and Mumbai. The demonstrations began on June 6, initiated by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who they allege is linked to paper leaks in national competitive exams.

The situation escalated over the weekend when activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcefully taken to a hospital after entering a hunger strike. Following this incident, thousands of protesters marched towards Parliament on Monday, only to be met with violent police resistance. Reports indicate that many demonstrators suffered injuries from baton charges and faced tear gas as they attempted to make their voices heard, amplifying the urgency of their cause.

The police’s heavy-handed approach has only served to galvanize support for the protests, which have now spread beyond the capital to several other cities. In Mumbai, law enforcement detained numerous demonstrators between Tuesday and Wednesday as they participated in solidarity protests with their counterparts in Delhi. The contentious detentions and police action have raised questions about the right to protest and freedom of expression in India.

As the protests continue, the message from students is clear: they are not just fighting for their rights but are also holding a mirror to the system, urging society to confront the flaws in the education sector. With influential personalities joining the movement, the discourse surrounding educational integrity and accountability is gaining momentum, prompting a reevaluation of the current examination processes.

Source: scroll.in