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Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has decided to continue his hunger strike, demanding accountability from the government over the NEET-UG paper leak issue. His protest comes as student groups seek action against alleged examination irregularities.
Climate activist Soam Wangchuk on Monday announced that he will continue his hunger strike, demanding accountability over the alleged irregularities linked to the NEET-UG examination and action against those responsible.
Wangchuk said his decision came after witnessing what he described as a harsh response to peaceful student protesters who attempted to march towards Parliament. In a handwritten note, he said he would continue his fast until student leaders are allowed to present their concerns before Parliament or he is permitted to meet them while receiving medical care at Safdarjung Hospital.
Wangchuk says, "Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting Youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the Parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the Hospital".
He also urged the government and Delhi Police to allow students to raise their concerns before lawmakers.
He said."I am touched & moved by how the youth have held on to peace despite provocation and I appeal to the Govt & Police force to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances before the Parliament today or tomorrow".
Wangchuk added, "I'm sure the young protesters will show the same patience and tolerance tomorrow as they did today".
The protest follows demands raised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. A delegation from the group recently met Union Minister JP Nadda and submitted a petition seeking accountability from the government.
According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the delegation discussed its demands with Nadda, who said he would consult with the government leadership on the concerns raised.
The group's demands include the release of Sonam Wangchuk, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and financial compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide.
The developments come after thousands of protesters gathered in Delhi as part of a 'Sansad Chalo' march, calling for action over alleged examination irregularities. Police deployed security forces around central Delhi to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas near Parliament.
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During the demonstration, police used tear gas and mild force after some protesters allegedly attempted to cross barricades and move toward the Parliament complex. Several demonstrators were detained during the protest.
Security was increased across key locations in central Delhi, with Rapid Action Force personnel deployed. Authorities also temporarily closed some Metro station gates in the area as a precautionary measure, affecting commuters.
At least seven CJP protesters, including Abhijeet Dipke, were detained near the Reserve Bank of India area, close to Parliament, during the march, according to reports.
The ongoing protests have brought renewed attention to concerns around examination security, transparency, and accountability in India's education system. Student groups and activists continue to demand stronger measures to prevent irregularities in competitive examinations.