TNI Bureau: Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has written a letter to Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, outlining the conditions under which he is willing to end his indefinite fast over the alleged examination paper leak and the treatment of student protesters.
Wangchuk thanked the two ministers for visiting him in the hospital and urging him to call off his fast. He said the government had assured him that it would positively consider two key demands: adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak, and a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the Education Minister’s resignation.
However, Wangchuk made it clear that one crucial issue remains unresolved. He has sought an unequivocal assurance from the government that no student or young protester who participated in the “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20 will face punitive legal action or retaliation. Describing the march as peaceful despite alleged police excesses, he said the protesters had exercised their democratic right to raise their voices for a fair and accountable education system.
The activist noted that nearly 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had appealed to him to end his fast, reminding him of his continued role in serving the nation and mentoring young people. While expressing his desire to return to teaching and public service, Wangchuk said he could not do so at the expense of the students who inspired the movement.
He stated that if the government provides a clear guarantee protecting the young protesters from legal consequences, he would end his fast in good faith. Otherwise, he warned that he would continue the indefinite fast and urged authorities to refrain from using excessive police force against demonstrators.
Wangchuk underscored that the true strength of a democracy lies not in how it treats those who agree with the government, but in how it treats young citizens who speak out with courage, conviction, and hope.
