Activist Sonam Wangchuk has written a letter to BJP President J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday, seeking a clear assurance that no legal action will be taken against young protesters participating in the movement over the NEET paper leak issue. Wangchuk said he is ready to end his hunger strike if the government provides such an assurance.
Nadda and Jitendra Singh had visited Wangchuk at the hospital and appealed to him to end his hunger strike. Following their meeting, Wangchuk addressed his letter to the two leaders and thanked them for their appeal and discussion.
In his letter, Wangchuk demanded adequate compensation for the families of around 20 students who died by suicide after the examination paper leak. He also called for meaningful discussions in both Houses of Parliament to establish accountability for the paper leak and issues within the education system. The letter also sought consideration of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Wangchuk wrote, “Thank you for meeting me at the hospital last night and making a strong appeal to end my hunger strike. During our conversation, you assured me that the government would positively consider providing appropriate compensation to the families of students who died by suicide after the examination paper leak, and that there would be meaningful discussion in Parliament to establish accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Education Minister.”
He further stated, “I seek a clear assurance from the government that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against any young protesters participating in this movement. Their only so-called offence has been raising their voice for a fair and accountable education system.”
Wangchuk added that if such an assurance is provided, he would end his hunger strike with the belief that the government has not only heard his appeal but also understood the aspirations of millions of young Indians.
He also mentioned that 65 Members of Parliament had written letters to him requesting him to end the hunger strike. Wangchuk said he also wanted to live, but in the absence of such an assurance, he would be forced to continue his hunger strike indefinitely. He further expressed hope that excessive use of police force would not be used to suppress the movement.
The development comes amid continued demands for accountability over examination paper leaks and concerns regarding transparency in the education system. Wangchuk’s demand for protection of young protesters and parliamentary discussion has intensified the focus on government response to the issue.
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