Partial impact of strike called by students, opposition parties also extended support, vandalism at several places

Patna, 25 July (ABN). The "Bihar Bandh" called by the All India Students Association (AISA) and the National Youth Movement against the recent lathi charge on students protesting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) paper leak issue had a partial impact in different parts of the state. The bandh, supported by major opposition parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress, saw student union and opposition party workers take to the streets in several districts since morning. Attempts were made to disrupt road and rail traffic at several places, while the administration made elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order. Over 70,000 police personnel have been deployed across Bihar in view of the bandh. Additional security forces have been deployed in sensitive districts, while mobile internet services have been suspended for two days as a precautionary measure at several places. Schools and colleges have also been closed in some districts to avoid any unpleasant incident. The state government and district administration are keeping a close watch on the situation.

The capital city of Patna witnessed the most activity during the bandh, particularly at the Dak Bungalow crossing and surrounding areas. A large number of students and young protesters gathered, blocking the road and raising slogans against the government. The protesters demanded stringent action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the NEET exam and police action against students, as well as transparency in the examination system. Police personnel at the spot tried to persuade the protesters, but they remained adamant on their demands. Tension escalated, leading to a scuffle between the two groups. According to police, some protesters pelted stones, forcing the use of force to disperse the crowd. There was a brief spell of chaos at the Dak Bungalow crossing. Police resorted to lathi charge to bring the situation under control and detained several protesters. A total of 19 people, including CPI (ML) MLA Sandeep Saurav, were arrested during the action in Patna. Police said necessary legal action is being taken against those found disrupting peace and obstructing government work. The protesters, however, alleged that the peaceful protest was forcibly suppressed.

The Bihar bandh also affected several other districts besides the state capital. Student organizations and supporters blocked roads at various places to protest against the central government. Attempts were also made to disrupt rail traffic at some places, causing inconvenience to passengers and daily commuters. However, due to the vigilance of police and administration, the situation remained under control at most places. The protesting organizations claimed that the NEET paper leak has affected the future of lakhs of students. They alleged a lack of transparency and accountability in the examination system and demanded a neutral probe into the entire matter, leading to stringent action against those responsible. They also demanded a judicial inquiry into the lathi charge on students and action against responsible officials.

Meanwhile, the administration has appealed to the public to maintain peace and tolerance. Police officials said that maintaining law and order is their priority, and action will be taken according to the law against those involved in violence, vandalism, or damaging government property. Senior administrative and police officials are keeping a close watch on the situation across the state. Student organizations have warned that if concrete action is not taken in the NEET paper leak case and their demands are not met positively, the protest will be intensified. Currently, security has been tightened in several districts, including Patna, in view of the Bihar bandh, and the administration is keeping a close watch on the situation.