'No Cases Against Young Protesters, Then I'll End My Fast': Sonam Wangchuk Sets Condition for Ending Hunger Strike
Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk has informed the Centre that he is prepared to end his indefinite hunger strike only if the government gives a clear assurance that no legal or retaliatory action will be taken against students and young protesters who participated in the ongoing agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In a letter dated July 22 addressed to Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him in hospital and requesting that he call off his fast. However, he said his decision now depends on the government's commitment to protecting the protesters who joined the movement.
Wangchuk wrote that during their meeting, the ministers assured him the government would positively examine two important demands, including adequate compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the examination controversy and a meaningful debate in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
Referring to the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20, Wangchuk said the agitation remained peaceful despite what he described as the use of disproportionate force by police personnel. He urged the government to guarantee that no participant in the movement would face criminal cases, harassment or any retaliatory action for exercising their democratic rights.
"I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began," Wangchuk wrote, adding that the protesters' only "offence" was demanding a transparent and accountable education system.
The activist revealed that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either written to him or personally appealed to him to end his fast and resume his work in the field of education. Despite those appeals, he said he could not discontinue the fast unless the government first ensured the safety of the young demonstrators.
"If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely," he stated.
Wangchuk also expressed hope that there would be no further use of force against peaceful protesters and urged the government to strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions by responding positively to the movement.
Concluding his letter, he said the future of Indian democracy would be judged by how it treats young citizens who raise their voices peacefully, urging authorities to protect their constitutional rights while addressing their concerns.
