Hyderabad: Five students of Satavahana University in Karimnagar began an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday, demanding action over the alleged police excesses against NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar and reforms in the medical entrance examination system.The protest drew support from hundreds of students who visited the campus throughout the day, organisers said. The students demanded legal action against Delhi Police, RAF and other officials allegedly involved in the use of force against protesters, compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy, and a review of the existing NEET system.They also sought either the abolition of NEET in favour of state-level entrance examinations or greater autonomy for the National Testing Agency (NTA), on the lines of independent bodies such as the UPSC.“The indefinite hunger strike began at 11 am and will continue until our demands are addressed,” said Akash Kolluru, national media spokesperson of Kalvakuntla Kavitha-led Telangana Raksha Sena (TRS), whose members are among those participating in the protest.He said the agitation was aimed at seeking structural changes in the examination system rather than symbolic action. “If state-level entrance exams are not possible, the NTA should be made completely independent to prevent interference and improve accountability,” he said.C Chaitanya, one of the students leading the hunger strike, said those responsible for the alleged police action in Delhi should face legal consequences and reiterated the demand for support to affected families.
