Prominent activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has affirmed his resolve to continue his hunger strike, now from Safdarjung Hospital, where he was admitted on July 18. Wangchuk, who began his fast on June 28, stated in a handwritten note that the government's response to peacefully protesting students had strengthened his determination.
Wangchuk's Stance from Hospital
In his note from the hospital, Wangchuk declared, "I WILL CONTINUE MY FAST (DAY 23)." He criticized the "brutality" faced by peaceful youth protesters and committed to continuing his strike until student leaders are permitted to meet Parliamentarians at Sansad Bhawan, or he is allowed to meet them at the hospital. He also expressed hope that the government would hold administrators accountable for their actions.
Wangchuk commended the protesters' peaceful conduct despite provocations. He appealed to the government and police to resolve the situation by allowing the students to present their grievances before Parliament.
Wife Reveals Three Conditions to End Fast
Speaking to news agency PTI, Wangchuk's wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, detailed three specific conditions under which the activist would end his hunger strike. She highlighted the widespread support for the movement, claiming approximately 25 lakh young people are backing it, which she said underscores significant flaws in the education system and governance.
Key Demands for Government Action
- Resignation of Union Education Minister: The primary demand is for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to step down.
- Parliamentary Assurance: A personal assurance from Cabinet ministers and Members of Parliament that education-related issues will be addressed during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- Action on Protesters' Memorandum: The government must take concrete action on the memorandum submitted by the protesters, which includes demands ranging from addressing alleged NEET paper leaks to improving the state of government schools.
Dr. Angmo emphasized that Sonam Wangchuk's fast would only conclude once these assurances are formally provided by the government.