New Delhi: The indefinite protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar regarding the NEET exam paper leak is now gaining momentum. On Saturday morning, Delhi Police took social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days, into custody and moved him to a hospital. Voices of support for Sonam Wangchuk are now emerging.
Support for Sonam Wangchuk has also arisen in the United States. On Friday, two American civic organisations staged a protest in Washington, D.C., demanding that the Indian government take immediate action regarding the alleged NEET exam paper leak and initiate a dialogue with the protesters.
Activists from the ‘Azadi Project’ gathered near the Indian Embassy in front of a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi. During the event, protesters held placards supporting Sonam Wangchuk and demanded reforms in the education system, accountability, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
US Protesters Write to PM Modi
Before the protest in the US, the organisation ‘Hindus for Human Rights’ wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the letter, the organisation stated that the government needs to engage in immediate dialogue with the protesters and provide a concrete response regarding the flaws exposed in the examination system.
They urged that a process to ensure accountability be initiated promptly. Meanwhile, Sunita Viswanath, the organisation’s Executive Director, stated that the government should not delay any further. She called for immediate dialogue based on a serious consideration of the protesters’ demands to ensure that no lives are put at risk.
The organisation also appealed to Sonam Wangchuk and the students on hunger strike to prioritise their health. The statement noted that their voices have reached not only India but many parts of the world; therefore, there is no need for them to risk their lives to prove the validity of their demands.
Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 18
Social activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk had been on a continuous hunger strike since June 18. He was observing an indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. Their movement began with demands regarding the alleged NEET exam paper leak, as well as calls for education system reforms and accountability. On Saturday, the Delhi Police abruptly took them to Safdarjung Hospital, citing their deteriorating health. Now, a protest held in Washington has brought this movement into the international spotlight.
Meanwhile, ever since the Delhi Police took Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to the hospital, Abhijit Deepke, founder of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party,’ has launched a hunger strike. He has decided to observe the fast with a photograph of Sonam Wangchuk placed before him.
