New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has explained his decision to end his 26 day hunger strike without securing the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying his immediate priority was to protect protesting students from legal action following the nationwide demonstrations over alleged examination irregularities.
Wangchuk ended his indefinite fast shortly after midnight on Thursday after the Centre provided a written assurance that no cases would be registered against peaceful protesters. The government also committed to holding a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and paper leaks while agreeing to consider compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
The 59 year old activist had been fasting since June 28 in support of members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who have been protesting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and demanding reforms in the examination system, accountability for paper leaks and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Responding to criticism over ending his protest without achieving the minister’s resignation, Wangchuk said he believed preventing legal action against students was more urgent. Speaking from his hospital bed in a video message, he said he had raised the issue of Pradhan’s resignation during discussions with Union ministers but chose not to make it the deciding condition for ending his fast.
He expressed confidence that the political pressure surrounding the controversy would eventually force the minister’s resignation, adding that the movement would continue pursuing that demand. According to Wangchuk, ensuring that students were protected from arrests and legal proceedings was the most important outcome at that stage.
Rejecting allegations that he had reached a deal with the Centre, Wangchuk said he would never have remained on hunger strike for nearly a month if compromise had been his objective. He also revealed that he insisted on a written assurance against legal action after initially being offered only a verbal commitment, describing it as a crucial safeguard for peaceful protesters. He added that his biggest disappointment was being unable to end the fast in the presence of students, colleagues and supporters who had stood by him throughout the protest.
