As protests over the NEET-UG paper leak continue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has vowed that the agitation will not be called off
until the protesters' demands are met, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. "We won't call off our protest until our demands are met and Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. We won't let Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike go in vain," Dipke said. His remarks came even as climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk indicated that he is willing to end his indefinite hunger strike, provided 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.
Sonam Wangchuk Ready To End Fast
In a letter to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him in hospital and urging him to end his fast. He said the ministers assured him that the government would positively consider the key demands raised during their discussions. However, Wangchuk maintained that he would end his fast only after receiving a clear written assurance protecting the protesting students from any legal action.
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.
"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.
"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.
