US, UK protests demand accountability on NEET exam irregularities

Activists from the advocacy group 'Hindus for Human Rights' held demonstrations in New York, San Jose, London, and Dublin to express solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams.

The protests took place on Monday (July 20, 2026) in New York's Union Square at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and in San Jose, with activists carrying placards supporting Mr. Wangchuk. Similar demonstrations occurred outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin, according to a statement from the group released on Tuesday (July 21, 2026) in Washington.

"Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India's students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity," the group said. "The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability."

Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights urged the Indian government to engage with Mr. Wangchuk and other protesters who are on hunger strike over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

On Saturday (July 19, 2026), Mr. Wangchuk was taken by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated due to over three weeks of fasting. He was later moved to a private hospital following a Delhi High Court order.

Opposition parties have expressed support for the protesters and held demonstrations against the government over the issue, demanding a thorough investigation into the NEET exam process.