The All Assam Brahmin Youth Council has strongly protested an alleged incident at a NEET examination centre in Nalbari, where a Brahmin student was reportedly compelled to remove his sacred thread (Yajnopavita) before entering the examination hall.
The organisation has termed the incident a serious violation of religious sentiments and constitutional rights, demanding an impartial investigation and appropriate action against those responsible if the allegations are found to be true.
According to the council, the incident allegedly took place at MNC Girls’ College in Nalbari during the NEET examination. The organisation claimed that the sacred thread, which holds deep religious and cultural significance within the Brahmin community, was removed despite prior efforts by the student's family to comply with examination guidelines.
The council stated that the sacred thread is not merely an accessory but a revered symbol of religious identity, spiritual discipline and Vedic tradition. It is traditionally worn following the Upanayana ceremony and is regarded as an integral part of Brahmin religious practice.
A key concern raised by the organisation is the allegation that the student's guardian had already removed the metallic ring attached to the sacred thread before arriving at the examination centre. Despite this, the student was allegedly instructed to remove the entire thread before being allowed to proceed.
The council said that if the allegation is verified, all facts surrounding the incident should be made public and accountability must be ensured.
Expressing concern over the timing of the alleged incident, the organisation noted that NEET is one of the most competitive and high-pressure examinations in the country. It argued that placing a candidate in such a situation immediately before the examination could have adversely affected the student's confidence and mental well-being.
The All Assam Brahmin Youth Council has placed several demands before the authorities, including the immediate initiation of a high-level and impartial inquiry into the matter. The organisation has also called for strict action against any individuals found responsible and urged the issuance of clear guidelines to examination centres to ensure respect for religious beliefs and constitutional rights.
Additionally, the council has sought preventive measures to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in future examinations.
In its statement, the organisation emphasized that any infringement upon religious faith and constitutionally protected rights is unacceptable. It warned that failure to address such concerns could create anxiety among members of various religious communities.
The council has urged the Government of Assam to respond to the issue within 24 hours. It further stated that if no action is taken, members of the Brahmin community may consider launching democratic protests to press for their demands.
No official statement from the examination authorities or district administration regarding the allegations had been issued at the time of filing this report.
