New Delhi [India], July 23 (ANI): Congress MLA and former Olympian Vinesh Phogat on Thursday extended support to students protesting over the NEET-UG paper leak, condemning the police action at Jantar Mantar while urging demonstrators to remain committed to the path of non-violence.
In a post on X, Phogat said the images from the July 20 protest deeply disturbed her and alleged that students seeking justice were met with force instead of support.
“Students were raising their voices for their rights in a democratic manner at Jantar Mantar. However, the images that emerged from there on July 20 deeply disturbed me. When the nation’s students took to the streets for their future, their rights, and their dreams, they were met not with respect, but with fear and violence,” she wrote.
The Congress leader further alleged that the dignity of female students had been violated during the police action.
https://x.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/2080231614315962623
“Under the guise of using force, the dignity of female students was violated; all bounds of decency were crossed in their treatment. To whom, then, should these students turn for justice? To those charged with the responsibility of their safety, or to those who hold the reins of power?” she said.
Appealing to students to maintain discipline despite provocation, Phogat wrote, “The entire nation stands with you in this fight for your rights. But I also wish to make a request to all of you: do not abandon the path of non-violence, no matter the cost. It is possible that the government will make every effort to derail, discredit, or break your movement… your greatest strength lies in your patience, your discipline, and your peaceful struggle.”
She concluded her message by invoking freedom fighter Bhagat Singh, saying, “History is taking a new turn… Even today, a Bhagat Singh lives in the heart of every young person… We have full faith: We shall fight, and we shall win.”
Her remarks came as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been spearheading the protests over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, called for nationwide peaceful demonstrations on Friday demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP urged student unions and organisations across the country to organise peaceful protests and read out students’ demands. Meanwhile, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das reiterated that Pradhan’s resignation remained “non-negotiable” and said the agitation would continue until the demand was met.
The government, meanwhile, has indicated its willingness to hold discussions with student representatives but has maintained that Parliament should debate the NEET issue without preconditions. (ANI)
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