LUCKNOW: Protests backing the CJP-led movement against alleged examination paper leaks spread through multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.Thousands of students took to the streets to protest alleged police excesses against demonstrators at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, news agency PTI reported.Demonstrations took place in Prayagraj, Lucknow, Jhansi, Saharanpur and other districts, as the CJP stepped up its nationwide campaign over alleged exam paper leaks urging students nationwide to join the effort.In Prayagraj, more than 5,000 students assembled at Civil Lines despite heavy rainfall, holding copies of the Constitution as part of their demonstration.They chanted slogans and danced in the rain while carrying placards, intending to march toward the district magistrate’s office.Over 2,000 police personnel were stationed along the route to maintain order, PTI reported.Protesters stated their agitation would continue until their demands were fulfilled.In Lucknow, the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) held a sit-in at Eco Garden, with party leader and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad joining supporters from various districts across the state.Demonstrators called for Pradhan’s resignation, action against the police personnel allegedly responsible for the baton charge on students at Jantar Mantar, and compensation for those injured in the protests.In Jhansi, hundreds of Azad Samaj Party members marched from Ambedkar Chowk to the collectorate, where they submitted a memorandum addressed to the President via the additional district magistrate.The memorandum demanded the Union education minister’s resignation, strict action against the “education mafia,” punishment for the alleged police excesses, and financial assistance of at least Rs 1 crore for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over the paper leak issue or lost their lives during the protests.Party vice-president Ram Gopal claimed that educated youth were struggling with employment uncertainty and accused the government of not fulfilling its job-creation promises.In Saharanpur, Bhim Army workers assembled at Ramlila Ground to protest the alleged paper leak matter, also calling for the Union minister’s resignation.These protests followed intensified demonstrations by students and CJP supporters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over the alleged exam paper leaks, during which protesters claimed they faced police action, allegations the police have denied.The movement has gained backing from several opposition parties and organizations, who allege the Centre has failed to guarantee fairness in recruitment and entrance examinations.(With agency inputs)
