Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday announced that he would continue his hunger strike, saying it would end only after leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who are spearheading protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, are either allowed to meet Members of Parliament or parliamentarians visit him at Safdarjung Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
In a handwritten note shared on social media, Wangchuk said the events surrounding the CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” march had influenced his decision to continue fasting. Referring to the police action during the protest, he expressed concern over the treatment of demonstrators and appealed for a peaceful resolution through dialogue instead of confrontation.
“I will continue my fast (day 23). Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the Parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital,” Wangchuk wrote.
He further added, “Hopefully the government will fix the accountability of the education minister before that. I am touched and moved by how the youth have held on to peace despite provocation, and I appeal to the government and the police to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances before parliament today or tomorrow.”
The activist also urged protesters to maintain restraint, saying he hoped they would continue demonstrating peacefully despite the tense situation.
Government Holds Discussions With CJP Representatives
The announcement came on a day when Union Health Minister JP Nadda confirmed that discussions had begun between the government and representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party.
According to Nadda, the protesters themselves initiated the proposal for talks on Monday morning. He said discussions had been underway since late morning and described the interaction as cordial. The CJP delegation later submitted a written memorandum outlining its demands, after which the minister appealed to protesters to withdraw their agitation and cooperate in restoring normalcy.
Wangchuk’s Wife Criticises Government Response
Reacting to the developments, Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, criticised the government’s handling of the protests and alleged that authorities had attempted to suppress the movement instead of engaging with students.
She claimed the agitation had drawn widespread support from young people across the country and argued that the response from law enforcement should serve as a reminder that public concerns cannot be addressed through force alone. Angmo urged the government to acknowledge the issues raised by students and initiate meaningful dialogue rather than allowing the situation to escalate further.
