Vijayapura rally backs Sonam Wangchuk, demands action on NEET paper leak

Members of several progressive organisations held a rally in Vijayapura on July 19 to support educationist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a fast in New Delhi demanding a probe into the NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protesters condemned the police action against Mr. Wangchuk, who was taken to a hospital from Jantar Mantar where he was peacefully protesting. They demanded his immediate discharge and called for talks between his supporters and the Union government.

A memorandum addressed to President Droupadi Murmu was submitted through the office of the Deputy Commissioner, urging her intervention to ensure Mr. Wangchuk's release and to facilitate a dialogue.

Activist Baburao Beerakabbi said the police action was condemnable. "The Union government has acted insensitively towards Mr. Wangchuk, who has been peacefully protesting for the welfare of students for 21 days. He should be released immediately, and democratic values should be respected," he said.

Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader Channu Kattimani expressed concern over the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other officials. "The government is trying to silence dissent. It is not right to arrest activists instead of addressing students' problems," he said.

CITU leader Lakshman Handral said any attempt to suppress activists' voices goes against democratic ideals. C.B. Patil said protest and struggle are constitutional rights, and restricting them violates democratic values. Prabhugouda Patil urged the President to intervene and direct the release of Mr. Wangchuk and facilitate talks.

Others who participated in the rally included H.T. Bharathkumar, Akram Mashalkar, Suresh Jeebi, Suresh Bijapur, Jagadeva Suryavanshi, Siddrama Hiremath, Geetha H., Siddalinga Bagevadi, and Srikanth Kondagooli.