Lucknow: Hundreds of activists of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest march in Lucknow on Saturday against alleged paper leaks in several competitive examinations, including NEET, Lekhpal, and Uttar Pradesh Sub-Inspector recruitment exams, and against the detention of student activists raising the issue.
The protest was led by NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar and NSUI Uttar Pradesh President Anas Rahman. Demonstrators began their march from the Uttar Pradesh Congress headquarters and proceeded towards Raj Bhavan to submit their demands.
As the procession moved forward, police personnel deployed in large numbers stopped the march before Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg using extensive barricading arrangements. According to NSUI leaders, some protesters attempted to move past the barricades, leading to a confrontation with security personnel.
During the incident, one activist reportedly fell unconscious and was later admitted to a civil hospital for treatment. Police subsequently detained several protesters and transported them to Eco Garden, the designated protest site in Lucknow. They were released later in the evening.
Addressing the gathering, NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar alleged that repeated examination irregularities had adversely affected the future of millions of students and job aspirants. He said student organizations across the country were raising their voices against alleged paper leaks and demanding greater accountability from authorities responsible for conducting examinations.
Jakhar also criticized what he described as the government’s handling of the issue, claiming that the heavy police deployment reflected concerns over growing public anger. He called for stronger action against those involved in examination-related irregularities and demanded measures to restore confidence in the recruitment and examination system.
Among the key demands raised by the organization were compensation for families of students allegedly affected by examination-related distress, stricter action against those responsible for paper leaks, reforms in examination management, and accountability at the highest levels.
NSUI Uttar Pradesh President Anas Rahman said the organization would continue its campaign on behalf of students and unemployed youth. He asserted that the movement would persist despite detentions or administrative action against its members.
“The concerns of students and job aspirants cannot be ignored. We will continue to raise these issues through democratic means,” he said.
Several NSUI office-bearers and student leaders, including state vice-president Aftab Ahmad, district president Akhilesh Yadav, Pranav Pandey, Saurabh, Rishabh Pandey, Devki Patel, and Mohammad Naim, participated in the demonstration along with hundreds of supporters.
The protest highlighted ongoing concerns among student groups regarding examination integrity and recruitment processes, issues that continue to generate significant debate across the country.
