Wangchuk Offers to End Fast as Government Moves to Defuse Delhi Protests

As the government intensified efforts to resolve the student protests that have disrupted central Delhi, a potential breakthrough emerged on Wednesday. Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced he would end his hunger strike and urge students to pause their agitation, provided the government meets its assurances and refrains from legal action against protesters.

Wangchuk released a letter addressed to Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who visited him at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon on Tuesday night. He stated that the ministers assured him the government would consider providing adequate compensation to families of students who died by suicide following an examination paper leak, and ensuring a meaningful parliamentary discussion on accountability, including consideration of the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He did not insist on Pradhan's resignation as a precondition.

Following the letter, a student protest group continued to demand Pradhan's resignation, along with compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family of deceased students, no persecution of peaceful protesters, and prosecution of police officers involved in alleged excesses. The group said it would meet ministers only at a neutral venue, not at their offices or residences.

Earlier in the day, BJP sources indicated an interaction between the group and the government. However, when asked at a press conference, Nadda said, 'There was no discussion today.' He also described Monday's talks with the group as 'conducive' and said he had asked for demands in writing.

Wangchuk noted that about 65 MPs from various parties had urged him to end his fast, reminding him of his work for the nation. He expressed a desire to live and return to his students but said he could not do so 'at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began.' He requested an unequivocal assurance that no protester would face legal action for participating in the movement.

'Their only 'offence' has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system,' Wangchuk said. Without such assurance, he warned he would be forced to continue his fast.