Protesters have raised slogans against CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, accusing him of politicizing the case while demanding accountability and transparency.
BY PC Bureau
From Paper Leak ‘Jihad’ to Demolition: Gen Z Rejects Communal Twist in Uttarakhand UKSSSC Protest
September 26 — What began as a protest over the alleged leak of the UKSSSC graduate-level exam has morphed into a high-profile, youth-led movement in Uttarakhand, as students openly defy attempts to communalize the issue. Hundreds of Gen Z aspirants have taken to sit-ins, vigils, and social media campaigns, demanding accountability while rejecting what they describe as a politically motivated communal spin by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Gen Z Takes the Lead
The indefinite strike, organised by the Uttarakhand Berozgar Sangh, is demanding a CBI probe, resignation of the UKSSSC chairman, cancellation of the compromised exam, and amendments to constable recruitment rules. Since Wednesday, Parade Ground in Dehradun has been abuzz with tents, placards, and torchlight vigils.
Students, many in their early 20s, are leveraging social media platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, live-streaming the protests and trending hashtags such as #JusticeForAspirants and #PaperLeakScam.
“This is not just about one exam. It’s about our future being stolen repeatedly,” said Priyanka Rawat, 23, livestreaming to thousands. Videos of patriotic songs, symbolic ‘funeral processions’ of photocopied exam papers, and digital activism have made the movement emblematic of a digitally-savvy, youth-driven rebellion.
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उत्तराखंड का युवा अब जाति-धर्म की राजनीति से आगे बढ़ चुका है,
अब सवाल रोजगार और भविष्य का है, सत्ता को यह हिसाब देना ही पड़ेगा।पहाड़ गूँज उठे है,
अबकी बार मुद्दों की लड़ाई होगी, धर्म का बहाना बेचने वालों की हार तय होगी।#Uttarakhand #paperleak pic.twitter.com/CTE2MamQ0o— Dhruv Rathee Satire (@DhruvRathenx) September 25, 2025
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CM Dhami Accused of Communalizing the Issue
Protesters allege that CM Dhami is attempting to give the scandal a communal twist. After police arrested Khalid Malik and his sister Sabia, demonstrators claimed the state was highlighting the Muslim identity of the accused to divert attention from systemic failures. Students raised slogans such as “Dhami Sarkar Down Down” and “Dhami Must Resign”, insisting the protest is about fairness and jobs, not religion.
“By playing the communal card, the CM is insulting the youth of Uttarakhand. Gen Z will not tolerate it,” said Suresh Singh, union state vice president of the Berozgar Sangh.
Protesters have also raised questions about why the demolition targeted a Muslim family, highlighting what they see as selective punishment. “Hundreds of people accused in paper leak cases across the country have not faced similar punitive action,” said one protester. Students argue that this move, combined with the state’s narrative, appears to give a communal twist to what should be a strictly administrative and legal issue.
Suspensions and Demolition
In parallel, the Uttarakhand government suspended K. N. Tiwari, Sector Magistrate overseeing the exam in Haridwar, along with two police officers stationed at the exam center, citing negligence that contributed to the leak.
Authorities also demolished a shop owned by Khalid Malik’s family, claiming it was encroachment on government land. Officials framed the move as a demonstration of zero tolerance toward violations of law and exam integrity,
🚨BULLDOZER ACTION
Uttarakhand administration has bulldozed the house of Paper Leak mastermind Mohammad Khalid. 🔥🔥
Message is clear , those accountable won’t be spared 👊#UttarakhandPaperLeak pic.twitter.com/p4JePv3YmY
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) September 25, 2025
though critics say it fuels communal perceptions.
“The government is committed to maintaining transparency and accountability in recruitment. Those found responsible will face strict action,” said a senior official. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests may follow.
Political Pressure and Opposition Response
The Congress party has stepped up, with state vice president Suryakant Dhasmana announcing district-wide demonstrations from Friday, demanding a CBI probe. He accused the Dhami government of failing the youth and attempting to polarize the issue to escape accountability.
A five-member SIT, headed by Dehradun SP (Rural) Jai Baluni and overseen by a retired high court judge, has been constituted to investigate statewide. Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan assured the Commission would not proceed with the exam until the SIT completes its probe within a month.
Symbol of Youth Anger
For many young aspirants, the UKSSSC leak is part of a larger pattern of betrayal. “We prepare for years, spend our parents’ savings on coaching, and one leak ruins everything. Why should we trust the system anymore?” asked Arun Joshi, 24.
Observers say the digitally connected, impatient, and vocal Gen Z has transformed what could have been a routine strike into a high-visibility movement, using hashtags, memes, and live streams to amplify their message. With tents on the ground, slogans in the streets, and tweets in the cloud, the protest represents a generational shift in youth activism, one that refuses to be deflected by communal narratives or political spin.
