Sonam Wangchuk Claims Centre Gave Assurance on Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday claimed that the Centre had assured him it would "positively consider" the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan as part of efforts to ensure accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In a letter addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the assurance was given during their visit to him in hospital, where they urged him to end his indefinite hunger strike.
However, the activist said he would call off his indefinite fast only if the government provided a clear assurance that no legal or retaliatory action would be taken against students who participated in the anti-NEET protests.
"Therefore, 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," he wrote.
He said that if such an assurance was provided, he would end his fast "with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians". Otherwise, he said, he would be "forced to continue" his indefinite fast.
In a letter addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the assurance was given during their visit to him in hospital, where they urged him to end his indefinite hunger strike.
Government Also Assured Compensation for Affected Families, Says Wangchuk
Wangchuk said the government had also assured him that it would consider adequate compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak. He added that the Centre had indicated it would hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability over the issue.However, the activist said he would call off his indefinite fast only if the government provided a clear assurance that no legal or retaliatory action would be taken against students who participated in the anti-NEET protests.
Wangchuk Seeks Unequivocal Assurance for Student Protesters
According to Wangchuk, he is seeking an "unequivocal assurance" from the government that no student or protester involved in the anti-NEET movement will face punitive or retaliatory legal action.You may also like
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"Therefore, 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.
MPs Across Parties Urged Him to End His Fast
Wangchuk said that after the ministers visited him, around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties wrote to him. He added that several MPs also met him personally and appealed to him to end his hunger strike."I Want to Live. I Want to Return to My Students"
Explaining why he continues his protest, Wangchuk wrote that he wishes to return to his work but cannot do so unless the concerns of students are addressed."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," he wrote.
Calls July 20 "Chalo Sansad" March Peaceful
Wangchuk described the July 20 "Chalo Sansad" march as peaceful despite what he alleged was "atrocities and disproportionate use of force" by the police. He expressed hope that no legal cases, harassment, or vindictive action would be taken against those who participated in the protest and urged the government to avoid using excessive force against demonstrators.Wangchuk Says He Will Continue Fast Without Government Assurance
The activist reiterated that he would end his hunger strike only if the government assured protection for student protesters.He said that if such an assurance was provided, he would end his fast "with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians". Otherwise, he said, he would be "forced to continue" his indefinite fast.
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