A FRONT-ROW LESSON IN DEMOCRACY: A father and daughter watch as the peaceful protest themed “Nagaland Supports CJP: We Stand With Sonam Wangchuk” unfolds at Supermarket, Dimapur, on July 20; perhaps a front-row lesson in democracy for the young child and others gathered. Her father later spoke about securing the future of the younger generation, demanding accountability in education, and the vital importance of raising a civil, democratic voice, the very concerns that drove him to join the movement. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 20
A peaceful protest was held this afternoon in solidarity with climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk and to condemn the alleged irregularities surrounding the NEET-UG examination paper leak.
The event drew parents, educators, students, youth, social media influencers, and concerned citizens at Super Market, Dimapur, while raising demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broader concerns on corruption and accountability.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Khekugha Muru, who clarified that he was speaking in his individual capacity as a father and not as Chairman of the Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI), said he attended the protest out of concern for the younger generation.
“I didn't come here just because someone told me to, or to increase the headcount. I came here as a father,” he said, adding that he reached out to organiser Durlov Doley after seeing his social media post and offered whatever assistance he could provide. Urging the youth not to let the movement end with Sonam Wangchuk or the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Muru said, “When time calls, wake up.
Don’t risk your future to somebody’s hand who doesn’t care.”
He appealed to parents and students alike to become more conscious and involved, questioning the absence of student leaders at a protest over an issue that directly affects students. “Where is your future? Where is our conscience? Have some conscience,” he remarked.
Addressing the students present, Muru said, “Our time is over, it is your time now,” and encouraged them not to follow leaders blindly but to actively engage with issues affecting society.
Drawing from his academic experience, including his time at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Muru underscored the importance of student activism and political awareness, noting that discussions on politics, society, and religion play a vital role in keeping young people informed and empowered.
“For this reason, activism is necessary. Those who have a sense of activism, those who have a conscience, only they have come today,” he said, calling on the younger generation to help build a brighter future.
Questioning the absence of student leaders at a demonstration centred on education, Kuhoto Naga said student bodies should be at the forefront of such movements.
“Who should be talking about education more? It is the student leaders who should be leading this kind of protest,” he said.
Kuhoto stressed that developments at the national level directly impact Nagaland, noting that Naga students were among those affected by examination-related controversies. He urged citizens to broaden their perspectives and speak up on issues that concern future generations.
He called on people to support genuine causes regardless of political affiliations and encouraged greater participation in public movements aimed at bringing positive change.
Referring to the alleged examination paper leak, Kuhoto observed that society often remains silent until an issue affects them personally, even as he acknowledged the organisers and participants for taking the initiative.
Popular YouTuber Khrolo Baba, who also addressed the gathering, expressed disappointment over the low turnout at the protest, contrasting it with the overwhelming support often seen on social media.
He remarked that while many people claim they are willing to “give their lives” for causes online, only a handful turn up when action is required.
“The people who actually work are few, but the people who just talk are too many,” he said.
Calling on parents, students, and youth to become more actively involved in issues affecting their future, Khrolo Baba, an educator by profession, stressed that public participation is essential for such movements to have an impact.
He added that demonstrations, even in distant Nagaland, help boost the morale of those leading similar movements elsewhere in the country.
“Learn to stand up for your own rights,” he said, adding that meaningful change would only come through collective action and visible public support.
Speaking to the media, organiser Durlov Doley said the idea for the peaceful protest emerged after he learned through social media that Sonam Wangchuk had been detained by police ahead of a planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20.
He said an appeal by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, urging supporters across the country to organise demonstrations in their respective states, inspired him to take action locally.
Doley noted that many young people from Nagaland had expressed a desire to participate in protests in Delhi but were unable to do so due to financial constraints.
“I thought, why not organise it in Dimapur itself so that those who want to raise their voices can do so here,” he said.
He shared that he initially began the initiative alone before receiving support from the Common Public Platform (CPP), a YouTube channel run by Mex Naga, as well as Dr Khekugha Muru, who assisted in securing the necessary permissions from the concerned authorities.
Expressing gratitude to supporters and volunteers, Doley maintained that the gathering was ultimately about standing up for students and victims of corruption. He described the event as a success despite it being his first time organising a public demonstration.
“It might not have been perfect, but I am satisfied. Next time, we will do it even better,” he added.
