Social activist Anna Hazare has appealed to the Union government to engage in discussions with educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk amid his ongoing indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.
Speaking to PTI on Saturday, Hazare said the government should respond clearly to Wangchuk's demands rather than prolonging the standoff. "The government should not test his limits. Say yes or no (to his demands), but what is wrong in holding discussions?" he said.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with Saturday marking the 21st day of his protest. Among his demands is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Earlier in the day, Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police. According to the police, the move was made in compliance with a Delhi High Court order directing authorities to monitor his health and intervene if necessary.
However, members of Wangchuk's support team disputed the police's interpretation of the court's directions. Abhijeet Dipke of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) alleged that Wangchuk was taken to the hospital against his will. Another supporter, Das, claimed Wangchuk's health had remained stable under regular medical supervision and argued that the police action amounted to a misinterpretation of the High Court's order.
Hazare's remarks have drawn attention because of his own anti-corruption movement in 2011, when he undertook a high-profile hunger strike in Delhi demanding the enactment of the Lokpal Act.
As of now, the Union government has not publicly responded to Hazare's appeal for dialogue, while Wangchuk's protest continues.
Sources: Hindustan Times
