As videos of alleged assaults and confrontations emerged from Mumbai and Delhi amid protests over the NEET-UG paper leak row, Chandigarh Police on Friday allowed students to hold peaceful protests, earning widespread praise and even receiving flowers from protesters.
The protesting students even raised slogans in support of Chandigarh Police, chanting, "Chandigarh Police Zindabad."
For four consecutive evenings, hundreds of students have gathered at Sector 17 Plaza, demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system. The protests have remained entirely peaceful.
In Delhi, footage allegedly showing police using force against demonstrators sparked outrage and led to an official probe. In Mumbai, a constable was suspended after a video reportedly showed him threatening to frame protesters in a fabricated drug case.
The incidents come amid a wider wave of protests that began after students raised allegations of examination irregularities and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The movement, led by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar since June 28, intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and began an indefinite hunger strike. He continued the fast for 26 days while repeatedly urging protesters to remain peaceful.
Tensions peaked on July 20 when a "Sansad Chalo" march towards Parliament was met with a police lathi charge. The incident drew widespread criticism and added pressure that contributed to Wangchuk ending his fast this week following government assurances on protester safety and examination reforms.
Against this backdrop, Chandigarh Police's approach to the protests has received praise online. Users described it as a reminder that democracy works through dialogue rather than confrontation, while appreciating the police for respecting citizens' right to peaceful protest.
Students say they will continue demanding a fair and transparent examination process, while Chandigarh Police maintains a facilitative and non-confrontational presence.
Also read: Wangchuk ends 26-day-long hunger strike after govt assurance
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