Student-Led Outfit Thanks Sonam Wangchuk for Ending Hunger Strike, Vows to Continue Peaceful Agitation
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced that its peaceful protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, even after activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following assurances from the Central Government.
The student-led organisation said it was “relieved and grateful” that Wangchuk had concluded his indefinite fast, but maintained that its broader movement seeking accountability for the alleged NEET paper leak and education reforms would continue.
The announcement indicates that while one phase of the agitation has concluded, the larger protest over examination irregularities remains active.
CJP Thanks Wangchuk for His Sacrifice
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke praised Wangchuk for his commitment to the student movement and thanked him for ending his prolonged fast.
Dipke described Wangchuk’s 26-day hunger strike as an act of extraordinary courage that drew national attention to the concerns of students affected by alleged examination irregularities.
According to Dipke, Wangchuk’s decision to put his health at risk helped amplify demands for accountability and reforms in India’s examination system.
The CJP founder also stated that Wangchuk’s contribution would remain an important milestone in the movement.
Protest to Continue at Jantar Mantar
Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, Dipke made it clear that the organisation’s protest at Jantar Mantar would continue peacefully.
According to the CJP, the movement’s primary political demand remains unchanged the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The organisation believes ministerial accountability is essential following the controversy surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and examination-related issues.
CJP leaders have repeatedly stated that the protest will continue until this demand is addressed.
Why Did Wangchuk End His Hunger Strike?
Sonam Wangchuk ended his indefinite hunger strike late Thursday after receiving written assurances from the Centre on several of his key demands.
According to Wangchuk, the government assured that:
- Peaceful protesters would not face legal action.
- Demands relating to examination reforms would receive consideration.
- The issue of accountability in the examination system would be discussed in Parliament.
- The government would positively consider compensation for families of students affected by the alleged NEET paper leak.
Following these assurances, Wangchuk said he believed it was appropriate to conclude his fast while expecting the government to honour its commitments.
Student Movement Continues
Although Wangchuk has stepped back from the hunger strike, the CJP has reiterated that the larger student movement remains active.
The organisation has continued to mobilise supporters through peaceful demonstrations, demanding greater transparency in competitive examinations and stronger accountability for alleged irregularities.
Recent protests at Jantar Mantar and the march toward Parliament have drawn attention to concerns surrounding examination administration and student welfare.
The CJP has consistently maintained that its demonstrations will remain peaceful while pressing for institutional reforms.
Government Signals Willingness for Dialogue
The Centre has recently indicated its willingness to engage with issues raised by students and discuss examination reforms.
Government representatives have also stated that concerns regarding the examination system can be debated in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced plans for a stronger legal framework against examination paper leaks, including provisions for fast-track courts and stricter penalties for those involved in such offences.
These announcements followed several days of political debate over examination reforms and accountability.
Outlook
The conclusion of Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike marks a significant development in the ongoing education-related protests, but it has not brought the wider movement to an end.
The CJP’s decision to continue its demonstration at Jantar Mantar indicates that pressure on the government is likely to continue in the coming weeks.
With Parliament expected to discuss examination reforms and the Centre preparing stricter legislation against paper leaks, attention will now shift toward whether policy measures and political negotiations can address the concerns raised by protesting students.
For now, the protest movement remains active, with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan continuing to be one of the CJP’s central demands.
