New
Delhi: Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk on Tuesday said he is willing to end his indefinite fast, but only if the Centre gives an "unequivocal assurance" that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against young protesters who participated in the NEET-UG paper leak agitation.In a letter addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him at the hospital and appealing to him to end his hunger strike. He said the ministers had assured him that the government would positively consider key demands raised during their discussion.
These included adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak and a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Union Education Minister.However, Wangchuk said he could not end his fast without a clear commitment from the government that no action would be taken against students who joined the protests."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 this movement. Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he wrote.Referring to the 'Chalo Sansad' march held on July 20, Wangchuk described the protest as peaceful despite what he called the "atrocities and disproportionate use of force" by police. He said the demonstration reflected the participants' commitment to democratic values and expressed hope that they would not face legal cases, harassment or vindictive action.The activist also revealed that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from across party lines had reached out to him after the ministers' visit, urging him to end his fast."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," Wangchuk wrote.He said he would immediately end his fast if the government provided the assurance sought. Otherwise, he warned that he would be "forced to continue" the hunger strike indefinitely.Wangchuk further appealed to the government to ensure there was no further use of excessive police force against protesters.Concluding his letter, he stressed that the treatment of young citizens would define the strength of India's democratic institutions."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," he wrote.The letter comes amid continuing political and public debate over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and the police action during recent protests in the national capital, with the opposition demanding accountability and greater protection for students participating in the agitation.
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