ASM Backs Jantar Mantar Protest, Demands Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation

The All Axom Sanmilita Mahasangha (ASM) has extended its full support to the ongoing protest by thousands of educated unemployed youths at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged question paper leaks in several major competitive examinations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, ASM President Shantanu Das Borhajowal, Working President Matiur Rahman, and General Secretary Bhupen Norah expressed solidarity with the protest, which has been underway since June 20. The agitation, reportedly organized by the Kokroch Janata Party, seeks accountability for alleged irregularities in examinations, including medical entrance tests, railway recruitment examinations and banking recruitment tests.

The organization said it had conveyed its support by sending an email to activist Abhijit Deepak, who is associated with the movement.

ASM also extended what it described as "revolutionary greetings" to noted social activist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk, who began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28 in support of the protesting youths.

The federation welcomed the participation of various farmers' organizations at the protest site and appreciated their solidarity with the unemployed youth. At the same time, it strongly condemned reports that several farmer leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana had been placed under house arrest to prevent them from joining the demonstration.

Expressing concern over the treatment of protesters, the organization alleged that the Delhi Police had disconnected water supply to toilets at the protest site, describing the move as "inhumane" and a "gross violation of human rights." It urged the authorities to immediately restore access to basic amenities for the demonstrators.

The ASM also accused the Narendra Modi-led BJP government of adopting an "authoritarian attitude" and failing to respond to the concerns of the country's educated unemployed youth. The leaders said that had the government acted responsibly, the protest would not have continued for several days.

Reiterating its demand for the dismissal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the federation urged the central government to take immediate steps to address the grievances of the protesting youths and ensure transparency in recruitment and entrance examinations.

The organization also expressed sympathy for educated unemployed youth across the country and warned that it may soon launch its own protest programmes if the issue remains unresolved.

The statement was jointly issued by ASM President Shantanu Das Borhajowal, Working President Matiur Rahman and General Secretary Bhupen Norah.