By Agartala Correspondent | Tripura 24.in
AGARTALA | May 12, 2026
AGARTALA: The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) Tripura State Committee launched a fierce protest in the capital today, raising a dual-pronged demand for educational integrity and political safety. The demonstration, held in front of the City Centre, focused on the immediate cancellation of the NEET examination and a high-level inquiry into the recent violent attacks on Left student and youth leaders in Bishalgarh.
Dozens of activists gathered with placards and banners, raising slogans against the central and state governments for failing to protect both the academic future of students and the democratic rights of political workers.
1. Demand to Scrapping NEET
The SFI leadership criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Union Ministry of Education, alleging that the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) has become a “hub of irregularities and commercialization.”
Key Arguments Raised:
- Systemic Failure: Protesters pointed to recurring allegations of paper leaks and discrepancies in marking, which they claim have pushed medical aspirants into a state of mental distress.
- Commercialization of Education: SFI leaders argued that the NEET format favors wealthy students who can afford expensive coaching, thereby marginalizing meritorious students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds in Tripura.
- Return to State Exams: The organization demanded that the centralized exam be scrapped in favor of state-conducted entrance tests to ensure transparency and local representation.
2. Condemning the Bishalgarh Violence
The protest also took a sharp political turn as leaders condemned a recent incident in Bishalgarh (Sepahijala District), where several leaders of Left-affiliated student and youth wings were allegedly ambushed and physically assaulted.
Details of the Allegation:
- The Attack: SFI leaders alleged that “backed miscreants” attacked their members during an organizational meeting in Bishalgarh, leaving several activists injured.
- Police Inaction: Protesters expressed outrage over the perceived “complicity” of the local police, claiming that despite identifying the attackers, no significant arrests have been made.
- Democratic Space: “The attack in Bishalgarh is an attempt to stifle the voice of the youth who are questioning the government’s failures. We will not be intimidated by such cowardly acts,” a senior SFI state leader remarked during the rally.
“No Justice, No Peace”: SFI State Secretary
Addressing the media during the protest, the SFI State Secretary warned of a statewide stir if their demands were not met.
”Today, the student community of Tripura is under siege. On one hand, their career prospects are being ruined by a corrupt national exam system like NEET, and on the other, our leaders are being physically attacked for speaking the truth. We demand the immediate arrest of those involved in the Bishalgarh violence and a complete overhaul of the medical entrance system,” the leader stated.
Future Course of Action
The rally concluded with the burning of an effigy representing the “corrupt education system.” The SFI has announced that a delegation will soon meet the Director of Higher Education and the Superintendent of Police (Sepahijala) to submit a formal memorandum regarding these two critical issues.
A heavy police contingent was deployed throughout Agartala to maintain law and order as the protest march moved toward the Paradise Chowmuhani area.
