Sonam Wangchuk Sets Conditions to End Hunger Strike Against NEET Paper Leak

Prominent social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for over 20 days protesting against the NEET paper leak and flaws in the education system, has outlined three significant conditions for ending his fast. In a heartfelt handwritten note released from Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk stated that he would conclude his hunger strike on July 20 only if accountability for the failures in the education system is established or if political parties provide a written assurance to raise this issue in Parliament.

Three Conditions for Ending the Hunger Strike

In a note shared on social media, Wangchuk detailed the three conditions under which he would end his fast. He mentioned, "Many of you have asked when I will conclude my hunger strike. As I previously informed my supporters, I will end my fast on July 20... if the government takes responsibility for the recent failures in the education system, including the paper leak."

Wangchuk further stated that he would also end his fast if he and the leadership of the Cockroach People's Party (CJP) reach Parliament, where respected MPs and leaders from various parties assure him that they will raise this issue in the House.

His note added, "If my health or other reasons prevent this, then esteemed MPs and leaders from different parties should come to this hospital and provide the aforementioned assurance."

 

The activist indicated that if these conditions are not met, his hunger strike will persist. He noted, "Regardless of my health, my fast will continue after the 'Parliament March' and will only be broken under these circumstances."

Wangchuk also accused the authorities of holding him in "illegal custody" at Safdarjung Hospital, stating, "...I am in illegal custody at Safdarjung Hospital, where my freedom to come and go, speak, and communicate is restricted."

 

It is important to note that Wangchuk participated in a protest led by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke and began his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28. The CJP protesters are demanding accountability in the education sector following alleged irregularities in competitive exams, such as paper leaks, and are calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. After 21 days of fasting, Wangchuk was hospitalized on July 18 due to deteriorating health. His supporters claim he was forcibly removed from the protest site and mistreated, while Delhi police assert he was taken to the hospital for medical reasons.