Indian Diaspora Holds Protests Across UK Over Delhi Police Action and NEET Row
Demonstrators in several UK cities express support for student protesters in India and call for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
Hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Indian High Commission in London on Monday evening to support the student movement in India over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and the recent police action against protesters in New Delhi.
Similar demonstrations were also held in Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Protesters demanded greater accountability in India’s education system and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking at the protest, Students’ Federation of India UK Secretary Somiha Chatterjee voiced support for students in India who are on hunger strike. She criticised the police response to the demonstrations and urged authorities to respect the rights of peaceful protesters.
Among those present was Ishita, a UNICEF employee based in London, who said she attended the protest to stand with her friends in Delhi. She explained that although she now lives abroad, she feels deeply connected to the concerns of students in India. She also noted that protesting in London allows her to speak out safely, while many of her friends in India face significant personal risks for doing the same.
Another protester, a 23 year old student from New Delhi who asked not to be identified, said he had previously participated in the anti CAA NRC protests before moving to the United Kingdom. He described the current movement as part of a wider struggle for justice, linking it to the concerns of displaced Adivasi communities, Dalit farmers and Muslims affected by government policies.
He added that living overseas had not reduced his commitment to raising awareness about issues affecting people in India.
The protest was organised jointly by the South Asia Solidarity Group, Students’ Federation of India UK and the India Workers’ Association GB under the slogan “Cockroaches of London Unite, Rise in Protest.”
Participants gathered outside India House in central London demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET controversy. They also expressed support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who are on a hunger strike seeking justice and reforms in India’s education system.
The demonstration featured slogans calling for transparency, accountability and fairness in the conduct of public examinations. Organisers also announced that another protest is planned in Leeds on 26 July.