Students Welcome, Announce Continuation of Movement

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for 26 days demanding accountability in the education system, ended his fast last night, but the Jantar Mantar-based JJP (Janta Party) announced that it will continue its movement until the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Mr. Wangchuk informed about ending his hunger strike on social media platform 'X', stating that he ended his 26-day fast in the presence of Health Minister JP Nadda, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr. Jitendra Singh, and senior leaders of the Ladakh Apex Body. He said that 65 members of parliament from various political parties had requested him to end his hunger strike.

He said that after a long discussion with the government, he decided to end his fast on the issue of accountability in the examination system, discussion in parliament, compensation to the families of those affected by the NET paper leak, and no action against peaceful protesters.

Meanwhile, JJP founder president Abhijit Dipke welcomed Mr. Wangchuk's decision to end his hunger strike, saying that after a hunger strike of more than 26 days, his decision is a relief as his life is very important for the country. However, he made it clear that their dharna at Jantar Mantar will continue until Mr. Pradhan's resignation.

He also said that the talks with the government will be held at a neutral venue and nothing less than Mr. Pradhan's resignation will be accepted.

Meanwhile, JJP's key spokesperson Soro Das said that the government has accepted their demand for talks at a neutral venue and has called a meeting at the Constitution Club for talks. He termed it a positive step, saying that the party will strongly raise its demands in the meeting.

Party spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur said that the party will raise its four key demands in the meeting, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, compensation to the families affected by the NET paper leak, withdrawal of all FIRs registered against peaceful protesters, and ensuring accountability in the examination system.

She also said that the party has been firm on these demands from day one and the movement will continue until they are met.

Amidst the positive aspects of the students' movement, the opposition parties' ruckus continued as soon as the parliament proceedings began on Friday. Opposition party members also staged a protest in the parliament house complex.