NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh has shared a heartfelt message on the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET exam paper leak, urging all stakeholders to pursue dialogue and ensure that children and students are able to learn in a safe and peaceful environment.Taking to Instagram, the hero of the 2011 World Cup avoided political commentary and instead focused on the well-being of students, emphasizing that every child deserves the opportunity to follow education and their dreams without fear.“To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow up safely and pursue your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India,” Yuvraj wrote.He concluded his message with a call for unity and constructive engagement.“We come together to build communities of care, opportunity and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the future of India.”Yuvraj’s comments come at a time when protests related to the alleged NEET paper leak have intensified across the country, with the issue continuing to dominate political and public discourse.
The impasse of Parliament and legal control continues
The controversy intensified after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organized its ‘Sansad Chalo’ protest in New Delhi on July 20, where the protesters were met with police action.Opposition leaders said protesters were subjected to lathi-charge and tear gas, accusations that have further intensified the political confrontation over the issue.The impasse has also disrupted Parliament, with both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha witnessing repeated adjournments. Opposition parties continued to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and sought a discussion on the alleged NEET-UG paper leak under a specific parliamentary rule.The government maintained that it was willing to debate the issue, but objected to what it described as additional conditions imposed by the opposition.Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered 10 FIRs in connection with the protests.The Delhi High Court also intervened in the matter, issuing notices to the Center and the Delhi Police on three public interest litigations alleging excessive use of force during the protests. The court directed the authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other electronic records related to the incident.
Manu Bhaker also expressed concern
Yuvraj is not the first prominent Indian sportsperson to speak out on the issue.Earlier, double Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker expressed concern about the plight of the students, saying every child deserves access to education, safety and equal opportunities.“At this point, it’s about the life of our nation’s future. It’s about us,” Bhaker wrote on social media.Calling it the biggest issue of politics, he added that every child deserves “access to education, security and a fair chance in life”, while stressing that such rights should never be seen as privileges.Bhaker also said it was heartbreaking to see the students suffering and urged greater accountability to protect their future.