New Delhi: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he was prepared to end his hunger strike if the government assured that no harsh or retaliatory legal action would be taken against young protesters participating in the examination reforms movement.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike entered its 24th day on Wednesday. In a letter outlining his condition, he said he would call off the fast if the government guaranteed that students involved in the agitation would not face punitive action.
He said Union ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who met him on Tuesday night, had assured him that Parliament would hold a meaningful discussion on the issue, including accountability for the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, consideration of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and compensation for the families of students who allegedly lost their lives in connection with the examination controversy.
Wangchuk said he had also received a letter from 65 Members of Parliament urging him to end his fast.
“If such an assurance is given, I will end my hunger strike with the belief that the government has not only heard my appeal but has also understood the aspirations of young Indians,” he said.
He added that he wanted to live and return to his students, but could not do so at the cost of the young people for whom the movement had been launched.
