Yuvraj Singh shares heartfelt message on NEET protest

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh has shared a heartfelt message on the ongoing protests over the alleged NEET examination 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 2011 World Cup hero avoided political commentary and instead focused on the welfare of students, stressing that every child deserves the opportunity to pursue education and their dreams without fear. "To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and chase your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India," Yuvraj wrote. He concluded his message with an appeal for unity and constructive engagement. "Let's come together to build communities of care, opportunity, and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India's future." Yuvraj's comments come at a time when protests linked to the alleged NEET paper leak have intensified across the country, with the issue continuing to dominate political and public discourse.

Parliament deadlock and legal scrutiny continue

The controversy escalated after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organised its 'Sansad Chalo' protest in New Delhi on July 20, where demonstrators were met with police action. Opposition leaders alleged that 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 Rajya Sabha witnessing repeated adjournments. Opposition parties have 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 has maintained that it is prepared to debate the issue but has objected to what it described as additional conditions being imposed by the Opposition. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has registered 10 FIRs in connection with the protests. The Delhi High Court has also stepped into the matter, issuing notices to the Centre and Delhi Police on three public interest litigations alleging excessive use of force during the demonstrations. The court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other electronic records related to the incident.

Manu Bhaker had also voiced concern

Yuvraj is not the first prominent Indian sportsperson to speak on the issue. Earlier, double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker expressed concern over the plight of students, saying every child deserves access to education, safety and equal opportunities. "At this point, it's about the lives of the future of our nation. It's about us," Bhaker wrote on social media. Calling the issue bigger than politics, she added that every child deserves "access to education, safety, and a fair chance at life," while stressing that such rights should never be viewed as privileges. Bhaker also said it was heartbreaking to see students suffer and urged greater accountability to protect their futures.