VARANASI, July 21 -- Social activists and members of various organisations staged protests at two locations in Varanasi on Monday in support of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, demanding the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters attempted to march from Shastri Ghat near Kutchehary Gate, while Samajwadi Party (SP) workers tried to march toward the BHU main gate. Police stopped both groups, leading to a brief standoff. SP workers marching toward the BHU Singh Dwar were stopped by police at Nariya Gate, where barricades had been erected, triggering a brief argument. The protesters carried placards against the alleged paper leak issue and the union education minister, while raising slogans about the education system, competitive examinations and the future of the youth. Meanwhile, activists and members of various social organisations gathered at Shastri Ghat to take out a foot march in support of Sonam Wangchuk. Police stopped the march, citing security concerns, after which the protesters staged a demonstration at the spot and raised slogans supporting their demands. Former SP student leader Rajat Valmiki while demanding the resignation of Pradhan stated that they wished to voice their concerns in a democratic and peaceful manner but were being obstructed. Former SP student leader Rajat Valmiki demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging they were prevented from expressing their concerns through a peaceful and democratic protest. Representatives of the various organizations maintained that their movement was entirely peaceful. A police force remained deployed during the protest. The situation remained under control in the presence of officials, and no untoward incident was reported. Police remained deployed at the site, and the demonstration concluded without any untoward incident....