JNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
Thousands of students protested at Eco Garden in Lucknow on Friday over paper leaks in various competitive exams, delays in recruitment processes, and problems related to results. Cockroach Janata Party chief Abhijeet Dipke also joined the protest and voiced his support for the students.
Addressing the protest, Abhijeet Dipke said that movement is the greatest strength of democracy. He said that every major battle, from the country’s independence to the protection of democracy, has been fought through movement. He appealed to the students not to back down, saying that if the situation warrants going to jail during the protest, he would be the first to do so.
The protest was organized under the leadership of Vivek Kumar, founder of the online coaching institute “Exampur,” and approximately 6,000 students participated. The protest began at 10 a.m. and continued until 4 p.m. Students demanded an end to paper leaks, the issuance of UPSI score cards, and transparency in recruitment processes.
Abhijeet Deepak arrived at the protest site holding a copy of the Constitution. Police escorted him into Eco Garden amid a security cordon. During the protest, approximately 1,500 Rapid Action Force (RAF), PAC, and local police personnel were deployed for security.
Students participating in the protest raised slogans such as “Stop paper leaks,” “Issue UPSI score cards,” and “Give justice to the youth.” However, some candidates opposed political interference in the protest, stating that it was a student movement and should not be turned into a political platform.
A large number of students arrived at the protest site carrying posters and banners. Several student groups also raised slogans such as “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.” At some locations, heated arguments and altercations were witnessed between various student organizations over the sloganeering.
It is worth noting that the Cockroach Janata Party has previously held protests in support of students’ demands at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and Pune. This demonstration in Lucknow is being seen as a major show of strength regarding student issues.
Students say their agitation will continue until the government seriously considers their demands.
