New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he is ready to end his hunger strike if the Central government gives a clear assurance that no legal action will be taken against young protesters demanding accountability in the NEET paper leak case.
However, Wangchuk said he would have no choice but to continue his indefinite fast if such a guarantee is not provided. According to him, the students participating in the movement are peacefully raising their voices for a fair and transparent education system.
Wangchuk Writes To Union Ministers
In a letter addressed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk requested the government to ensure that students involved in the protest are not punished for exercising their democratic rights.
“I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in the movement,” Wangchuk wrote.
He also stated that the students are not demanding anything unreasonable. Instead, they are seeking accountability and reforms following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Hunger Strike Continues On Day 25
The 59-year-old activist is currently undergoing treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he continues his hunger strike for the 25th day.
Earlier, police removed Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar after he had been fasting there for nearly three weeks. The protest was organised as part of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement, which has been demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Despite being shifted from the protest site, Wangchuk refused to end his fast.
Health Deteriorates During Fast
Sharing an update from his hospital bed, Wangchuk revealed that he has lost 11 kilograms since beginning his hunger strike.
In a video message posted in Hindi, he said, “Mai abhi zinda hoon” (I am still alive).
At the same time, he praised the young protesters for remaining peaceful despite what he described as repeated provocations during Monday’s protest.
Government Ministers Visit Wangchuk
Wangchuk thanked JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh for visiting him at the hospital.
According to the activist, the ministers assured him that the government would consider providing financial compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide after the paper leak controversy.
Moreover, he said the ministers also indicated that the issue could be discussed in Parliament to ensure accountability. Wangchuk added that this discussion may also include the opposition’s demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Appeal To Protect Student Protesters
Although around 65 Members of Parliament have requested him to end his hunger strike, Wangchuk said he cannot do so unless the students participating in the movement receive legal protection.
He explained that he wants to return to his work in the field of education. However, he believes ending the protest without safeguarding the students would be unfair to those who stood up for the cause.
“The young people are at the centre of this movement. Their future should not be affected because they chose to protest peacefully,” he said.
Therefore, he urged the government to publicly assure that no criminal or disciplinary action would be taken against them.
Ready To End Fast After Government Assurance
Wangchuk said he is prepared to call off his hunger strike immediately if the government issues a clear assurance regarding the protesters.
“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,” he said.
He also appealed to the authorities to avoid using force against demonstrators and ensure that future protests remain peaceful.
Background Of The Protest
Sonam Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and calling for reforms in the examination system.
Two days ago, he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital after allegations of negligence regarding his medical care surfaced.
Wangchuk is widely known for his activism on education and environmental issues. Earlier, he also led a major campaign demanding statehood for Ladakh. During one of those protests last year, he was detained for nearly six months after violence broke out in Leh, resulting in four deaths.
The NEET paper leak controversy has triggered nationwide protests, with students, opposition leaders and civil society groups demanding a transparent investigation and stronger measures to protect the integrity of competitive examinations.