Wangchuk Sets Terms to End Fast; CJP Restates Four Demands

Wangchuk's Condition: No Retaliation Against Students

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday said he was willing to end his indefinite fast if the Centre accepted one key assurance — that no punitive or retaliatory legal action would be taken against students who participated in the ongoing protests.

In a letter addressed to Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk thanked them for visiting him at the hospital on Tuesday and appealing to him to call off his fast.

According to Wangchuk, the ministers assured him that the government would "positively consider" two issues: adequate compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak, and a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability — including consideration of the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

Wangchuk said that if the assurance was given, he would "end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians." In the absence of such an assurance, he said he would be compelled to continue his fast indefinitely.

CJP Restates Four Demands

Separately, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is spearheading the agitation, reiterated its stand in a post on X. The party said its protests would continue until the government accepted four demands:

1. Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
2. Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide
3. An assurance that peaceful protesters would not face prosecution
4. Prosecution of police personnel allegedly involved in excesses against demonstrators

Context

Wangchuk referenced the July 20 Chalo Sansad march, describing it as peaceful despite what he termed "atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police." He noted that approximately 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had written to him following the ministers' visit, with several meeting him personally to urge him to end his fast.

Sources: The Indian Express, News Pinch