'No legal action against CJP protesters': Wangchuk sets condition to end hunger strike

Sonam Wangchuk

NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he will end his hunger strike against the NEET paper leak only after the Centre assures that protesters who participated in the CJP’s march will not face any punitive legal action.In a letter addressed to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him and assuring him that the government would consider his earlier demands.”Thank you for visiting me at the hospital last night and for your earnest appeal that I end my fast. During our discussion, you assured me that the government would positively consider the following: Adequate compensation for the families of students who committed suicide following the examination paper leak. A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon’ble education minister,” Wangchuk said.”The Chalo Sansad march on 20 July 2026 remained very peaceful despite the atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police. The entire nation and the world witnessed their patience and commitment to democratic protest. I sincerely hope that this faith in democratic institutions is not further undermined by any legal cases, harassment or vindictive action against those who participated,” he added.Further, Wangchuk said he also wants to end his hunger strike and “live”, but not at the cost of the young people for whom this movement began.”After your visit, roughly 65 Members of Parliament from across political parties have written to me; some have already come, and others are expected later this evening. They have all urged me to end my fast, reminding me that I still have much work to do in the service of our nation. I agree with them. 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 said.”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. If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians. In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely. I also hope that there will be no further use of excessive police force to repress the movement,” he added.