Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike as his protest over the NEET paper leak and alleged examination irregularities entered its 17th day.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Moitra said Wangchuk had already achieved an important objective by bringing together young people across the country in their demand for accountability and justice.
Mahua Moitra urges Wangchuk to end his fast
In her post, Moitra expressed concern about Wangchuk’s health while accusing the government of ignoring both the protesters and the larger concerns of students.
“Sonam Sir your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. Govt doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Please call off the fast and continue the fight,” she wrote.
Her appeal comes as doctors continue to monitor Wangchuk’s health amid growing concerns over the prolonged hunger strike.
Eminent personalities also appeal to protesters
Earlier, a group of well-known public figures, including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh, issued a joint statement requesting Wangchuk and other protesters to end their fast.
While expressing full support for the demand seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, they said the protesters’ health should not be put at further risk.
The statement praised their determination and leadership while urging them to continue the movement through other democratic means.
“We salute your sense of purpose, determination and courage. This battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need your strength and leadership in the days ahead,” the statement said.
Health concerns continue to grow
According to the organisers of the protest, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast.
His latest medical examination reportedly recorded:
- Blood Pressure: 107/70 mmHg
- Blood Glucose: 67 mg/dL
Meanwhile, AISA activist Deepak, who had also been fasting, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after his condition worsened.
AISA said Deepak lost nearly 15 percent of his body weight, while his blood pressure reportedly dropped to 80/40 mmHg over the past three days. Doctors advised immediate hospitalisation due to the risk of serious health complications, including organ damage.
Organisers seek dialogue with the government
Civil rights organisation Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) questioned why the government had not opened talks with the protesters despite the continuing agitation.
Addressing a press conference, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke urged the government not to turn the issue into a political confrontation.
“I request the government not to turn this into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake. Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity, accountability and the willingness to correct course. All we are asking for is accountability,” he said.
Comparisons drawn with Anna Hazare’s movement
As Wangchuk’s fast continued, organisers also compared it with Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption movement in 2011.
Hazare had first launched a hunger strike in April 2011, ending it after the government agreed to form a committee to examine the Jan Lokpal proposal. Later that year, he undertook another hunger strike that lasted 12 days.
When asked why Wangchuk’s protest had continued beyond that period, Dipke said the circumstances were very different today.
“That was a different India. In today’s India, human lives are not valued,” he remarked.
Protest began in June
The protest led by Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) started on June 20 over alleged irregularities in national examinations and the NEET paper leak controversy.
Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike ever since.
With concerns over the protesters’ health increasing, several political leaders, activists, and public figures have continued urging Wangchuk to end his fast while assuring him that the campaign for accountability can continue through other means.