Sonam Wangchuk Urged to End Fast; Protest Group Vows to Continue Fight for Exam Justice
A protest group leading the agitation over alleged irregularities in medical entrance examinations has appealed to activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, citing health concerns, while assuring him that the movement will continue.
Wangchuk, who began an indefinite fast on June 28, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. He is currently hospitalised after being taken into custody on July 18 and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital, later transferred to Medanta Hospital under a Delhi High Court order.
In a public letter dated July 22, the organisation acknowledged Wangchuk's sacrifice and its impact on students across the country. 'Your sacrifice has inspired thousands of students. We respectfully request you to end your fast and take care of your health. The fight for examination justice will continue with even greater strength until our demands are met,' the letter stated.
The group noted that students from various states had participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20, demonstrating widespread support. 'You have shown that this fight is bigger than any one person. But right now, we need you to take care of your health,' the letter added.
The founder of the organisation, Abhijeet Dipke, reiterated the appeal on social media, saying Wangchuk's life is 'precious' and urging him to end the fast. Dipke also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the issue, stating, 'Politics is not just about election rallies; it is about being accountable to people.'
Wangchuk joined the protests on June 28. On July 18, police removed him from the protest site and took him to hospital. His fast has continued from the hospital. The protest group has vowed to persist with peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until their demands are met.
