Renowned education reformist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has declared he will conclude his indefinite fast, which began on June 28, only if the government provides an unequivocal assurance that no legal or punitive action will be taken against students and young people involved in the protests regarding the alleged NEET paper leak.
Wangchuk made this announcement in an open letter addressed to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. His statement came a day after the two leaders visited him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he has been fasting.
Wangchuk Thanks Ministers, Reiterates Demands
In his letter, Wangchuk expressed gratitude to the ministers for their visit and for urging him to end his fast. He noted that they had assured him of the government's positive consideration for several demands discussed during their meeting.
According to Wangchuk, these assurances included:
- Adequate compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the examination paper leak.
- A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, potentially including the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Referring to the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20, Wangchuk highlighted that the protest remained peaceful despite what he described as "atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police."
"The entire nation and the world witnessed their patience and commitment to democratic protest. I sincerely hope that this faith in democratic institutions is not further undermined by any legal cases, harassment or vindictive action against those who participated," Wangchuk wrote.
Commitment to Young Protesters
Wangchuk also mentioned that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from various political parties had written to him, and several had met him personally, urging him to end his fast. While acknowledging their concern for his well-being, he emphasized his unwavering commitment to the young protesters.
"I agree with them. 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," he stated.
He reiterated that his fast would only cease upon a public assurance from the government that no protester would face legal repercussions. "Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he asserted.
Call Against Excessive Police Force
Concluding his letter, Wangchuk appealed to the government to ensure that excessive force is not used against demonstrators in the future. He stressed that "The future of our democracy depends not on how it treats those who agree with it, but on how it treats its young citizens when they dare to speak with courage, hope and conviction."