Student deaths precipitate protests across State

VCK president and Lok Sabha member Thol Thirumavalavan staged protest condemning NEET and the New Education Policy (NEP), drawing a kolam in Kallur village in Cuddalore. “The negligence of the State government and the arrogance of the Centre have claimed the life of three students on a single day. Both of them are responsible for the deaths,” said Thirumavalavan.

Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman warned both the State and Centre that if NEET was not scrapped, both of them would have to face the consequences. “After Anitha committed suicide in 2017, State government adopted a resolution against NEET due to intense pressure. However, even after three years, the Centre has not taken any action. These three deaths could have been prevented if it had acted,” Seeman said in a statement.

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) leader T Velmurugan has announced a protest in front of State Assembly at 10 am on Monday. “State and central governments should stop killing students in the name of NEET,” he said in a social media post.

Meanwhile, carrying placards that read “I am sorry, I am tired”, words from the note left by Jothi Durga of Madurai who was among the three who died yesterday, Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam cadre tried to besiege the central school in Narimedu, which was one of the exam centres. However, the police personnel deployed there removed them from the spot and arrested 23 of the protesters.

Similar protests were held at Uthangudi by SDPI and local Jamat; in Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli by Makkal Adhikaram cadre.