Youth Cong protest in Tripura over NEET ‘fraud’

Agartala: Youth Congress held a large protest in Tripura on Monday, demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination fraud and other national issues.Hundreds of Youth Congress workers joined the march and moved towards the CM’s official residence, alleging the central govt had failed to ensure transparency in national-level examinations, affecting the future of thousands of meritorious youths.Police stopped the procession near IGM Hospital, using water cannons to prevent protesters from moving forward. Youth Congress supporters continued to push ahead despite attempts by security forces to restrict the march.As demonstrators reportedly tried to breach security barricades and enter the high-security zone near the CM’s residence, police and CRPF escalated action, first deploying water cannons and then baton-charging to disperse the crowd.Congress leader Birajit Sinha alleged that at least 12 protesters were injured, with some bleeding, and said medical assistance was provided at the site amid chaos.Sinha criticised the police response, alleging excessive force against a democratic protest and claiming the right to peaceful demonstration was disrupted, while accusing the administration of suppressing dissent.Police defended the action, saying the measures were necessary to secure the area around the CM’s residence and maintain public safety. The confrontation has added to the ongoing political tensions in Tripura.