Climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he is willing to end his hunger strike if the Centre assures that no punitive or retaliatory action will be taken against protesters participating in the movement over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
Wangchuk, who has been fasting in support of students demanding accountability over the examination controversy, said the protesters had only sought a "fair and accountable education system" and justice for students affected by the alleged paper leak.
Speaking from hospital, Wangchuk said he would end his fast if the government guarantees that participants in the protests will not face legal action, harassment or any form of retaliatory measures.
He added that, if such an assurance is given, he would also appeal to students to suspend their ongoing protest movement, believing that the government had acknowledged their concerns.
"I will ask students to halt the movement," Wangchuk said, provided the assurance is extended to all protesters.
Wangchuk also thanked Union ministers who visited him at the hospital, saying they had assured him that the government would positively consider several demands raised by the protesters.
According to Wangchuk, these include, Adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy, a discussion in Parliament on accountability in the NEET-UG paper leak issue and consideration of demands, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Centre has not officially announced any decision on these demands.
Referring to the 'Sansad Chalo' march held on July 20, Wangchuk maintained that the demonstration remained peaceful and alleged that police used "disproportionate force" against protesters.
He urged the government to uphold democratic values and refrain from registering cases or taking retaliatory action against those who participated in the protests.
Wednesday marked the 25th day of Wangchuk's hunger strike over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. He has maintained that the movement is aimed at securing greater transparency, accountability and reforms in the country's examination system.
Separately, the Delhi High Court heard petitions seeking an investigation into the police action during the protests.
The court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police, seeking their responses to allegations of excessive use of force, and listed the matter for further hearing on September 11.
The petitions seek a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged police action during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march. Petitioners alleged that police used force without warning against peaceful protesters and sought action over the alleged assault of a woman protester.
Thousands of protesters gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the 'Sansad Chalo' march, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
As protesters attempted to march towards Parliament during the first day of the Monsoon Session, police used lathi-charge and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
While protesters have alleged excessive use of force, the Delhi Police has maintained that its actions were necessary after the demonstration turned violent. The matter is currently under judicial consideration, and the allegations remain disputed.
Sources: Hindustan Times
