Sonam Wangchuk Offers Dialogue as Student Protests Intensify
In a significant development amid ongoing student protests across India, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has signalled a willingness to enter into a dialogue with the government. In a letter addressed to Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk stated that he would end his fast and urge students to halt their movement if the government fulfils its assurances and refrains from legal action against protesters.
The assurances, as per Wangchuk, include providing adequate compensation to families of students who committed suicide following an examination paper leak, and a meaningful parliamentary discussion to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protests, which began over the paper leak issue, have now expanded to include demands for action against police brutality during the 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20.
Separately, the Rampur Development Authority in Uttar Pradesh has issued a demolition notice for 38 of the 40 buildings at the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. The notice, dated July 15, gives the university until August 5 to comply. Only the medical college and academic block are spared, which critics argue would effectively shut down the institution. Students have launched a massive protest against the demolition, with one M. Pharma student stating, "If you have a problem with the name, change the name, acquire the university… But don’t demolish it." The move is seen as part of a broader crackdown by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government against Khan, who faces nearly 100 cases, 30 of which relate to the university.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday declined to accept the Delhi Police's argument that aggrieved protesters must individually pursue action against alleged brutalities during the 'Chalo Sansad' march. The court agreed to hear two public interest litigations on the issue and directed police to preserve video footage and file responses within four weeks. Earlier, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a lawyer seeking intervention, with Chief Justice Surya Kant advising him not to waste the court's time.
Opposition parties, led by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, have demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, action against police personnel for excessive force, and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the students. However, the Centre has offered only an elaborate parliamentary discussion on the paper leak issue, rejecting the demand for resignation.
As the situation unfolds, the government's response to Wangchuk's offer and the university demolition remains key. Student groups have called for nationwide solidarity, while authorities maintain that all actions are within legal bounds. The case highlights a growing tension between student activism and state power, with constitutional safeguards being invoked by both sides.
