CM calls candlelight March in Shimla over NEET paper leak, seeks solidarity with protesting students
Shimla, July 25
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called for a candlelight march in Shimla to mourn the deaths of 20 students, which he linked to the NEET paper leak controversy, and to express solidarity with students protesting against alleged examination irregularities across the country.
In a social media post issued on Friday, the Chief Minister invited youth and leaders from all political parties to participate in the march. He appealed to the people of the state capital, particularly the youth, to join the programme in large numbers.
According to the announcement, the candlelight march will begin from the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex at Lift and proceed via Scandal Point before culminating at the historic Ridge.
Mr. Sukhu said the march was being organised in memory of students who, according to him, lost their lives following repeated leaks of NEET examination papers. He said the event would also express solidarity with students protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
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The Chief Minister alleged that instead of taking action against those responsible for the alleged paper leaks, the authorities had used force against unarmed students during the protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20. He claimed that Delhi Police resorted to a lathi charge and the use of pellet guns to disperse demonstrators.
Referring to the ongoing agitation, Mr. Sukhu said the protest at Jantar Mantar, organised by the Congress-backed Chhatra Jodo Parishad (CJP), highlighted growing resentment among students over repeated allegations of paper leaks in competitive examinations. He alleged that heavy police deployment and the use of force reflected an attempt to suppress peaceful protests instead of addressing students’ concerns.
The Chief Minister further alleged that repeated paper leak incidents had occurred under the Union Government and in several BJP-ruled states, affecting the credibility of recruitment and entrance examinations and creating uncertainty among lakhs of aspirants. He said students were demanding a transparent and accountable examination system and strict action against those responsible for examination irregularities.
He urged students and citizens to participate in the candlelight march as a peaceful expression of support for youth seeking fairness and transparency in competitive examinations.
The march is expected to witness participation from students, youth organisations and political workers from different parties.
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