Demonstrations demanding greater transparency in India’s education system gathered momentum across the Northeast on Monday, as thousands of students, youths and citizens held peaceful rallies in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya in support of education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk and called for reforms in the country’s examination process.
In Itanagar, a large rally organised by the youth collective Youth for Change witnessed participation from students, parents and members of the public. Beginning at Akashdeep and concluding at IG Park, the march highlighted concerns over alleged examination irregularities, paper leaks and the need for greater accountability in the education sector.
Addressing the gathering, speakers said the rally was organised to express solidarity with Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike demanding reforms and transparency in the education system. They maintained that the movement was aimed at safeguarding students’ futures and restoring public confidence in merit-based examinations.
Participants urged the authorities to strengthen safeguards against examination malpractice and ensure fair recruitment processes. Organisers described the demonstration as a peaceful democratic exercise and appealed to the government to engage with students through dialogue.
Meanwhile, the Arunachal Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) extended support to the nationwide ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ campaign against examination paper leaks. APCC spokesperson Johny Yangfo alleged that repeated paper leaks had undermined the future of lakhs of students and called for urgent reforms to restore confidence in the examination system.
A similar solidarity march was also organised in Tawang, where the Tawang Middle Zone Students’ Union, along with local organisations and residents, staged a peaceful procession seeking greater transparency and accountability in national-level entrance examinations.
In Shillong, students, youths and senior citizens gathered at Don Bosco Square demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged mishandling of the education sector. Protesters carried placards criticising alleged examination paper leaks and administrative lapses, while expressing support for Wangchuk’s campaign.
Social activist and Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR) leader Angela Rangad said the protest had emerged spontaneously through social media, reflecting growing concern among young people over issues affecting education. She alleged that the crisis extended beyond national-level examinations, citing concerns over rising privatisation and the quality of education.
The Meghalaya Congress also backed the agitation, with party general secretary Manuel Badwar expressing support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) campaign against alleged examination irregularities. He said the protests reflected widespread frustration among students and urged the Centre to address their concerns through meaningful reforms.
The demonstrations concluded peacefully, with participants reiterating their commitment to continue advocating for a transparent, accountable and equitable education system.
