Activist Seeks Accountability Over Education Crisis, Parliament Assurance
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday announced that he would end his prolonged hunger strike only if the government accepts responsibility for alleged failures in the country’s education system or if political leaders formally assure him that the matter will be raised in Parliament.
Wangchuk, who has been fasting for more than three weeks over alleged examination irregularities, shared a handwritten statement explaining the circumstances under which he is prepared to end his protest.“Many of you have asked when I will end my fast. As mentioned earlier to supporters, I will end my fast on 20th July… if the govt takes accountability for the recent failures in the education system, paper leaks, et cetera,” Wangchuk wrote.
Three Conditions for Ending the Fast
According to Wangchuk, the first condition is that the government publicly acknowledges responsibility for issues such as examination paper leaks and other alleged failures in the education system.
His second condition is that he and leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are allowed to reach Parliament, where Members of Parliament from different political parties assure them that the issue will be debated during the ongoing session.
If his health does not permit such a visit, Wangchuk said elected representatives from various parties should visit him at the hospital and provide the same commitment.“If the leadership of CJP and I reach the doorsteps of Parliament, where honourable MPs and leaders of various parties assure us that they will now take up the issue in Parliament.”
Fast to Continue if Demands Remain Unmet
The activist made it clear that if none of these conditions are fulfilled, his hunger strike will continue despite concerns over his health.“Notwithstanding my health, my fast continues after the Sansad Chalo March, and will be broken only under the following circumstances,” he said.
Claims of Restricted Freedom at Hospital
Wangchuk also alleged that he is being kept under “illegal detention” at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital, claiming that his movement and communication have been restricted since he was shifted there.“…From the illegal detention at Safdarjung Hospital, where my freedom of movement, speech and all communication are RESTRICTED,” he stated.
Background of the Protest
Wangchuk joined the CJP-led agitation at Jantar Mantar on June 28, supporting demands for action over alleged examination paper leaks, reforms in the education system and accountability from the Union Education Ministry.
He was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 after Delhi Police cited medical advice and deteriorating health following more than 20 days of fasting. While supporters alleged that he was forcibly removed from the protest site, Delhi Police has maintained that the transfer was carried out solely to ensure necessary medical treatment.
Q1. Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk is protesting over alleged failures in the education system, including examination paper leaks, and is demanding greater accountability and reforms.
Q2. What conditions has Sonam Wangchuk set to end his fast?
He said he would end his hunger strike if the government accepts responsibility for the education crisis or if political leaders assure him that the issue will be raised in Parliament.
Q3. What are the three conditions mentioned by Wangchuk?
He wants government accountability, parliamentary assurance on the issue, or a visit by MPs to the hospital with a commitment to take up the matter in Parliament if his health prevents him from travelling.
Q4. Where is Sonam Wangchuk currently admitted?
He is under medical care at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after being shifted from Jantar Mantar due to health concerns.
Q5. Why was Wangchuk shifted to the hospital?
Delhi Police said he was shifted on medical advice after his health deteriorated following more than 20 days of fasting.
Q6. What has Wangchuk alleged about his stay in the hospital?
He has claimed that he is under “illegal detention” and that his movement, communication and speech have been restricted.
Q7. What are the protesters demanding?
The protesters are seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities, reforms in the education system and action against those responsible for paper leaks.
Q8. Has the government responded to Wangchuk’s latest conditions?
At the time of publication, there has been no official response from the government regarding the conditions outlined by Wangchuk.
