New Delhi: Education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk has written to Union Ministers J. P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, stating that he will end his indefinite fast only if the Centre gives an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action will be taken against students and young protesters who participated in the recent NEET paper leak protests.

In a letter dated July 22, Wangchuk thanked the two Union Ministers for visiting him in hospital and appealing to him to end his fast. He said the ministers had assured him that the government would positively consider providing adequate compensation to the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the examination paper leak and hold a meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Referring to the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march held on July 20, Wangchuk said the protest remained peaceful despite what he described as disproportionate use of force by the police. He expressed hope that the faith of young people in democratic institutions would not be undermined through legal cases, harassment or vindictive action against those who took part in the movement.

Wangchuk said around 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had written to him or visited him, urging him to end his fast and continue serving the nation through education. While stating that he wanted to return to his students and his work, he said he could not do so at the cost of the young people for whom the movement began.

He urged the government to provide a clear assurance that none of the protesters would face legal action, saying their only “offence” was raising their voices for a fair and accountable education system.

Wangchuk stated that if such an assurance is given, he would end his fast in the belief that the government had heard the concerns of lakhs of young Indians. Otherwise, he said, he would be compelled to continue his fast indefinitely. He also appealed to the authorities to refrain from using excessive police force against the ongoing movement.

Concluding his letter, Wangchuk said the future of India’s democracy depends on how it treats its young citizens when they speak with courage, hope and conviction.