Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Monday that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike until student leaders protesting the alleged NEET-UG paper leak are either permitted to meet Members of Parliament or MPs visit him at the Delhi hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.
In a handwritten note shared by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, on social media, Wangchuk expressed support for the protesters demonstrating under the banner of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a satirical political group leading the movement and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities.
In the note, Wangchuk stated that he was continuing his fast on its 23rd day, saying the treatment of peaceful student protesters had prompted him to extend the protest. He said he would not end the hunger strike until student representatives were allowed to present their concerns before Parliament or until he was allowed to meet them at the hospital.
He also expressed hope that the government would ensure accountability at the level of the Education Minister and commended the students for remaining peaceful despite what he described as repeated provocation. Wangchuk urged both the government and the police to resolve the matter by allowing the students to voice their grievances before Parliament.
Protest site removed, demonstrations continue
Wangchuk's remarks came shortly after Delhi Police prevented thousands of demonstrators from marching towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Security personnel used tear gas and baton charges after protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, demanding accountability for the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
Later, police dismantled the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar, removing the stage where Wangchuk had been fasting, along with mattresses, carpets and other materials used during the demonstration.
Despite the clearance of the site, protesters returned to Jantar Mantar and pledged to continue the agitation. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke addressed supporters from a vehicle equipped with loudspeakers, while another protest leader claimed that a delegation had met Union Minister JP Nadda. However, he maintained that the protest would continue until the Education Minister stepped down.
The CJP initially organised a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar on June 6, which later evolved into an indefinite sit-in accompanied by Wangchuk's hunger strike.
High Court to rule on hospital transfer
Separately, the Delhi High Court on Monday directed Safdarjung Hospital to submit Wangchuk's latest pathological reports and medical bulletins, stating that it would decide on Tuesday whether to permit his transfer to a private hospital.
A bench headed by Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya instructed the hospital to place Wangchuk's updated medical records before the court. It also asked the AIIMS doctors currently treating him, as well as the physician who had previously attended him, to be present during the hearing. Additionally, the court directed Gitanjali Angmo to submit the results of blood tests conducted at a private laboratory at her request.
Angmo has challenged a single judge's order that declined to intervene in Wangchuk's treatment at Safdarjung Hospital. She argued that although he was not under arrest, he was effectively being kept in the government hospital against his wishes and that his right to choose his medical treatment had been restricted.
On Sunday, the single judge ruled that authorities were justified in transferring Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after his condition worsened during the hunger strike, adding that doctors should continue monitoring his health in line with established medical protocols.
Police reject assault allegations
Delhi Police also dismissed allegations circulating on social media that Gitanjali Angmo was assaulted and that police personnel pulled her hair during Monday's protest.
In an official statement, police described the allegations as entirely false and misleading, maintaining that no individual was deliberately assaulted and rejecting claims that excessive or malicious force had been used.
Wangchuk has been observing an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the reported deaths of students linked to the NEET controversy. His protest has become a prominent part of the nationwide movement led by students and youth organisations demanding greater accountability in examination-related matters.
