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NEW DELHI: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday invited the protesters against NEET paper leak for talks at JP Nadda’s place on the central government’s behalf. This comes after the talk on Monday with the Cockroach Janta Party’s spokespersons failed to bear any results.“I wish to share that in the last 24 hours as many as four offers were made to the student representatives for a dialogue. It is my humble appeal to the students on agitation that the government is ready for talks whenever you want, at whichever hour of the day and for as much length of time that you wish to,” he said.“We are ready to discuss the issue on which the agitation has happened, and all the other related issues as well. The talks can be held with an open mind at the residence of Union health minister JP Nadda and of course I will be accompanying him. The talks could be held at Nadda’s residence or at the office, or whichever of the two you wish to,” he added.He further urged the protester to participate in the talks adding that the “government will go to any extent to safeguard the welfare of the students.”“Please come forward so that we find a way out of this situation in the larger interest of the students’ community, youth community and the nation at large. As you would also appreciate, this morning itself, Prime Minister Narendra Modi candidly spelt out that the interest of the students is the foremost for this government. The government will go to any extent to safeguard the welfare of the students. Not only that, but the PM also took a very important decision to set up fast-track courts to deal with the cases related to those responsible for the recent paper leaks so that the final verdicts come early and decisively. Once again, I very humbly, on behalf of the government, invite you to come forward,” he said.Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had ordered for setting up of fast-track courts “to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks.”“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared,” he said in a post on X.Thursday’s protest at Jantar Mantar came after overnight clashes between protesters and police, who fired tear gas and used batons to disperse crowds. It marked the second such confrontation in the national capital this week.Despite barricades and heightened security, protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar. Authorities also shut Delhi Metro services at 16 stations in central Delhi to curb access to the protest site.On Monday, thousands of demonstrators attempted to march towards Parliament in defiance of restrictions before police intervened with tear gas and baton charges to stop them.Demonstrators are seeking the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, sweeping reforms to the examination system, and compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following exam leak incidents.
