Global protests back Sonam Wangchuk as NEET hunger strike intensifies

Hindus for Human Rights staged solidarity protests in the US and Europe for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike over alleged NEET irregularities. The demonstrations widened pressure on the Indian government as support grew over student fairness and accountability.

In Short

• Solidarity demonstrations were organised in New York, San Jose, London and Dublin
• Wangchuk has continued his indefinite fast for more than three weeks
• Delhi Police moved him from Jantar Mantar after his health worsened

Activists from the US-based advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights held demonstrations in New York and San Jose to express solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the NEET exams. The group said similar solidarity protests were also held outside the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Dublin.

The protests came as Wangchuk's fast continued after more than three weeks. On Saturday, Delhi Police took him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated, and he was later shifted to a private hospital following a Delhi High Court order.

Members of Hindus for Human Rights gathered at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in New York City's Union Square and in San Jose on Monday evening, carrying placards in support of Wangchuk. They also raised slogans against the Indian government and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

"Our protests sent a clear message, whether in New York or London, San Jose or Dublin: India's students deserve to be treated with fairness and dignity," the group said in a statement on Tuesday. "The youth of India deserve honest answers and a future they can trust. The Indian citizenry deserves open dialogue and reform, and it is time for the Indian government to take accountability," it said.

Earlier this week, Hindus for Human Rights had urged the Indian government to reach out to Wangchuk and other protesters who are on a hunger strike over the alleged irregularities in the NEET exams. Opposition parties have also come out in support of the Cockroach Janata Party and staged massive protests against the government in Delhi.

The demonstrations in the US and Europe, the group's appeal to the Indian government, and the protests in Delhi came as support grew for Wangchuk during his hunger strike over the alleged NEET exam irregularities.

With PTI Inputs

- Ends