Anti-NEET Protestors Form Human Chain in Koyambedu on Day 9

More than 50 protesters formed a human chain and raised slogans along Ayyappa Nagar first main road in Koyambedu on Sunday as the ban-NEET protest organized by the Anti-NEET Federation completed its ninth day. Demonstrators, including students and activists, gathered in the neighborhood to demand an exemption for the state from the examination and urge the central government to save students.

Participants engaged in several forms of demonstration along the Koyambedu stretch. A section of the protesters played the traditional 'parai' musical instrument while wearing masks depicting the late B. R. Ambedkar, while others held up placards along the roadway seeking an immediate ban on the entrance exam.

Heavy rainfall in the area affected attendance, though demonstrators maintained a steady presence throughout the day. Protester D. Shekar explained that people have been dropping by regularly despite the weather conditions, noting that while the heavy rain prevented many from gathering simultaneously, a floating crowd remained present. Shekar emphasized that the federation will continue its protest until all demands are met.

The rally was briefly joined by individuals currently participating in a hunger strike as part of the agitation. Hunger strikers Pulianthope Mani, Jeeva, and Dhanasekar joined the main rally participants and displayed posters calling for a blanket ban on NEET. The demonstration in Koyambedu follows closely on the heels of the Fair-NEET protests previously organized at Jantar Mantar.

The extended demonstration has taken a physical toll on participants. On Thursday, one protester was hospitalized after coughing up blood. Despite the health emergency, organizers reiterated their resolve to keep the agitation going.

The Anti-NEET Federation has outlined specific primary demands to resolve the immediate action. Protesters stated that the ongoing hunger strike will be officially called off once the state issues a formal resolution clearly spelling out its position against the NEET examination. Additionally, the federation is seeking the allocation of a public hall where demonstrators can continue their peaceful protest. The demonstration is set to enter its tenth day on Monday.